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Relational Dialectics In College Ldrs: Managing The Tensions Of Long-Distance Dating In College, Kenessa Copeland
Relational Dialectics In College Ldrs: Managing The Tensions Of Long-Distance Dating In College, Kenessa Copeland
Honors Theses
A significant population of college students have been, or are currently, in a long distance relationship (LDR). This study examined tensions experienced by college students in LDRs using Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) and Dark Side Theory. I used a thematic analysis to analyze responses from an open-ended survey distributed to and answered by 23 students in LDRs. I found that RDT was exemplified in the study by finding tensions of connection-autonomy and predictability-novelty, as well as tensions of balancing time and FOMO-living in the moment. The most common tension management strategies used were selection, separation, and reframing. Finally, I found …