VULNERABILITY, INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION PATTERNS AND COMMITMENT IN DATING RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

study investigates that vulnerability and related aspects in dating relationships, which goes beyond the phenomenon of simple revelation or self-disclosure. This being a relative unexplored area of relationship, the aim of the study was to identify the underpinnings of vulnerability and highlight the presence of the phenomenon in varied dynamics of relationships. Other important goals included identifying the factors salient to vulnerability, intrapersonal communication, and commitment. Purposive snowball sampling was employed to appoint the participants from India. We used exploratory research and obtained the data through extensive mixed-method survey of 31 individuals which comprised of 21 females, and 10 males, who have an experience of dating relationships for 6 months and more. Results highlighted the general contained idea of vulnerability, and degree of vulnerability which overall reflected the extent of vulnerability, ideal and actual vulnerability, and the experience of vulnerability in the relationship among the participants. Further we elaborated on the recurrent patterns and themes on overall authenticity of the participants in relationships. We also underlined the intrapersonal relationship dynamics found among participants in relation to emotional openness which gave an insight into the internal experience and influenced responses of the participants which either led to connection, or disconnection in their relationship. Further results showed the complexities of intrapersonal communication and vulnerability by using few case studies from the sample highlighting the interaction of the two variables suggesting contradictions in the way participants showed up in relationship i.e., who they are, and who they feel they need to be to feel accepted. The compiled illustration of the in-depth descriptions founded, based on the interaction of all three variables was also represented. The results further were validated using methodological triangulation process using the findings of the stage 1 study. The results concluded the phenomenon of relationship vulnerability was conditional among majority of the participants and occurred as common phenomenon, but different in terms of experiencing it based on foundation, patterns, and individual contributions such as, lack of internal acceptance, lack of self-awareness, distorted knowledge and unhealthy values around love/ relationships, maintaining dysfunctional relationships and protecting oneself through self-abandonment veiled as commitment in the relationship.