Emerging Adults’ Discursive Construction of Work/Partnership Boundary Strategies

Abstract

During emerging adulthood, a central work/life challenge is the simultaneous negotiation of work and romantic involvements. The present study employed Relational Dialectics Theory 2.0 (RDT 2.0) to examine college-enrolled emerging adults’ communicative sensemaking about work/partnership boundary strategies. Interviews with 28 emerging adults were analyzed using contrapuntal analysis. Segmentation strategies – such as limiting or compartmentalizing relational obligations – were constructed both as pragmatic means to advance individualistic pursuits, and as a form of temporary sacrifice for long-term relational viability. Integration strategies were rendered meaningful through the lens of enrichment, whereby the “right” romantic partner enables individuals’ occupational development and ideal worker performance.

Keywords:

• Critical Interpersonal Communication
• Emerging Adults
• Role Balance
• Romantic Relationships
• Work-Life

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank Amy Janan Johnson, Stephanie Kaczynski, Donald R. Martin, Brittany S. Morrissey, Baylee Ritter, Elizabeth A. Suter, Michaela R. Winchatz, and two anonymous reviewers for their contributions to this research.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Manuscript History/Grant Information

This research was supported by a grant from the University Research Council of DePaul University.