Romantic Media Usage, Idealization of Romanticism and Mate Selection Preferences among Young Adults

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between Romantic Media Usage, Idealization of Romanticism and Mate Selection Preferences among young adults. Data was collected from young adults (N=250) from the Twin Cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi of age range 18-24. Convenient sampling technique was used for the collection of data. To measure the study variables three instruments were used i.e., the Genre-Specific TV Viewing Scale (GSTVS), Romantic Belief Scale (RBS) and Essential Characteristics of a Spouse Scale (ECSS). Results revealed a positive relationship between Romantic Media Usage, Idealization of Romanticism and Mate Selection Preferences. Further results showed that Idealization of Romanticism significantly mediates between Romantic Media Usage and Mate Selection Preferences. There was a significant difference among male and female young adults on mate selection preferences. Young adults who preferred financial stability of mates scored higher on Mate Selection Preferences. Also, there was a significant difference found among marital status of young adults on idealization of romanticism. The study has its implications in marital counselling and relationship counselling. In addition to that limitations and recommendations for future research along with practical implications were also discussed.