The association between differentiation of self and perceived romantic relationship quality in emerging adults

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the association between the differentiation of self dimensions (emotional reactivity, I-position, emotional cutoff, and fusion with others) and perceived romantic relationship quality in emerging adults living in Türkiye. The sample was composed of 424 emerging adults (218 women, 206 men) between the ages of 18-29 and who have been in a romantic relationship that has lasted at least six months. Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory, Differentiation of Self Inventory- Short Form, and a demographic form were used to collect data. Multiple regression analysis was performed to see whether the dimensions of differentiation of self predict overall perceived romantic relationship quality. Multiple regression analysis results revealed that I-position and the low level of fusion with others positively predicted perceived romantic relationship quality, whereas emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff did not significantly predict perceived romantic relationship quality. As a result, the findings were examined considering the relevant literature, implications were highlighted, and recommendations for additional research were presented.