Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between reasons for not desire steady romantic relationship and ego development among adolescents. Participants were 307 university students who did not desire a steady romantic relationship (Love-Unnecessary group). Factor analysis of items consisting of reasons to not want a steady romantic relationship revealed 6 factors: avoiding the burdens of a steady romantic relationship; self-mistrust; desire for a full life; not knowing the meaning of romantic relationships; the influence of past romantic relationships; and optimistic expectations for a romantic relationship. Next, cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters: adolescents declining to have a steady romantic relationship; adolescents having no reason not to desire a steady romantic relationship; adolescents’ self-mistrust; adolescents being influenced of past romantic relationships; and adolescents having optimistic expectations for romantic relationships. Finally, Analysis of Variance indicated that adolescents who declined to have a steady romantic relationship and reported self-mistrust were low in ego development, while adolescents with optimistic expectations for a romantic relationship were high in ego development.
