The topic of romantic relationships in young individuals, particularly adolescents and emerging adults, was highlighted during a post-Valentine’s talk organized by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Office of Student Affairs – Guidance and Counseling Services Unit (OSA-GCSU) and the Gender and Development Program (GDP).
Prof. Bernice Vania Mamauag of the Division of Social Sciences – Psychology Cluster served as the speaker and gave a presentation on her topic, “Romantic Relationships in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood,” during OSA-GCSU and GDP’s event titled “Beyond Cupid’s Arrow: Gender Awareness and Sensitivity,” held at the CFOS AV Hall, Feb. 18, 2026.
Prof. Mamauag gave an in-depth discussion on the science behind romantic relationships among the said audience, which varies during early adolescence (12-14 years old), middle adolescence (15-17 years old), late adolescence (18-20 years old), and emerging adulthood (21-25 years old).
Early adolescence highlights socializing and forming friendship groups, and is then followed by having relationships that are usually casual and short-term during middle adolescence.
During late adolescence, individuals look for stronger emotional bonds with a compatible partner and this signals a serious, exclusive, and highly-rewarding relationship.
Meanwhile, young adults tend to postpone commitment in their romantic relationships to focus on developing vocational competence.
Prof. Mamauag also discussed the nature of healthy romantic relationships centered on emotional intimacy and commitment. Romantic relationships help individuals feel emotionally secure, manage stress, build self-confidence, and grow.
Conversely, the “four horsemen” of unhealthy relationships include criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
Prof. Mamauag included in her discussion the topic of attachment and attachment styles — secure, avoidant, and ambivalent, among others.
Further, she talked about subjective well-being in relationships, emotional responses to an unwanted breakup, and romantic competence.
Prof. Mamauag said that based on studies, people in happy relationships report high levels of subjective well-being and that good romantic relationships satisfy individuals’ needs, desires, and goals.
At the end of her talk, however, Prof. Mamauag emphasized, “romantic relationships are important — they have a bearing in our subjective well-being, but they are not the end-all and be-all of our existence,” telling “late-bloomers” that attachments are not limited to romantic relationships.
Written by Carlson Alelis, IPO
Photos by Gian Genoveza, IPO
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