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ONE in three young Australians have cheated on their partner, and experts
think one-sided relationships might be to blame.
A new study on young love and break-ups has revealed high rates of
infidelity and even higher rates of heartbreak felt by both parties,
regardless of who is doing the dumping.
Australian and Hong Kong researchers have collaborated to survey more than
450 people aged 18 to 25 in both countries about their relationships.
"We've found that romantic relationships are very common in this age group,
with only 20 per cent never having experienced one,'' said study leader
Susan Moore, a professor of psychology at Swinburne University.
"Even among that 20 per cent, most are interested but haven't quite got
around to it yet.''
Relationships were more common among the Australians questioned, and almost
90 per cent said they had had a break-up. Almost all reported feeling hurt
or very hurt regardless of who initiated the break-up.
Also, one third said they had been unfaithful to a partner at least once.
"What we don't know yet is whether the infidelity was the stimulus to
breaking up,'' Prof Moore said.
"Another possibility is that it could be due to one-sided relationships,
with just under half the sample so far believing that either their partner
loved them more or they loved their partner more, as opposed to believing it
was an equal love relationship.''
The online survey is part of a larger study by Swinburne University,
Victoria University and the Hong Kong Institute of Education which is
investigating the role of romantic relationships in the lives of young
people.
The researchers said romance and break-ups must be seen as a normal part of
growing up.
Handling romantic relationships or the lack of them - including feelings of
loneliness, unrequited love, having your heart broken - is part of the
transition to adulthood,'' Prof Moore said.
It is important for parents and those who work with young people to accept
these feelings and teach young people strategies for coping with the
associated mood swings and emotions.'' Source: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23233247-1702,00
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