Romantic competence, healthy relationship functioning, and well‐being in emerging adults

Abstract

Abstract A skills‐based model of healthy relationship functioning—romantic competence ( RC )—is described. Its association with relationship and individual well‐being was examined in three studies of emerging adults using the Romantic Competence Interview for Emerging Adults ( RCI–EA ), which measures competence as the interplay of three skill domains. Across studies (women [ n = 102], women and men [ n = 187], romantic couples [ n = 89]), RC was associated with greater security, healthier decision making, greater satisfaction, and fewer internalizing symptoms. The RCI–EA skill domains formed a latent factor and were associated with self‐reports reflective of RC , supporting the construct's validity. The RC construct may thus provide a theory‐driven, overarching way to characterize healthy romantic functioning that can reduce negative outcomes.