A qualitative analysis of on-campus forbidden intimacies among undergraduate students in Lahore, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Albeit the social disapproval and stigmatization, romance is an incontrovertible feature of youth culture in Pakistan. This study generates a multifaceted understanding about the intimate relationship development and dissolution, in particular the pre-dissolution conditions and post-dissolution adjustment among unmarried, non-cohabiting emerging adults. Qualitative methods were applied, comprising 129 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions among undergraduate students at XYZ university located in Lahore city, Pakistan. Despite the public disapproval of intimacy out of wedlock and expression of love in public, the young adults reported finding ways to dealt with this situation and make intimate relationships. The nature of romantic affiliation is thereby diverging from that of the earlier generation. The attachment level to partner was primarily emotional and spiritual in the past, while it is physical and sexual for the new generation. Based on these findings, it is anticipated that the nature of intimate relationships might induce change in marriage and family system in broader society.

KEYWORDS:

• Romantic relationship
• dating
• violence
• positive youth development
• Pakistan

Acknowledgments

We want to thank the CSSPR Research Assistants: Mr Ahsan Javed and Mr Haris Walid for assisting me on voluntary basis in advertising, organizing and managing FGDs.

Disclosure statement

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

Ethical clearance

The permission to conduct IDIs and FGDs was obtained from the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, University of Lahore. The written consent to participate was obtained from the participants of IDIs and FGDs prior to data collection.

Open practices

Data and materials for this study have not been made publicly available on any data repository. However, the data of FGDs have been provided in the supplementary files. The primary author takes responsibility for the authenticity of the data. The design and analysis plans were not preregistered.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2022.2133047.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.