In female adolescents, romantic love is related to hypomanic-like stages and increased physical activity, but not to sleep or depressive symptoms

Abstract

Objective. Experiencing romantic love is important in individual development. Little is known about romantic love among adolescents in non-Western countries. The aim of the present study was therefore to explore romantic love among Iranian female adolescents. Methods. Eighty-six females (mean age: 17.97 years) took part in the study; 38 of them (44%) indicated they were experiencing romantic love at the time of survey, and 48 (56%) indicated they were not in love. Participants completed questionnaires related to affective states and physical activity, and a sleep log for seven consecutive nights. Results. Compared to controls, participants in love had higher scores for hypomanic-like states, positive mood, physical activity, but not for better sleep quality or for depressive symptoms. Conclusions. Against expectations, hypomania scores increased with the duration of the romantic relationship, suggesting that culture-related issues might shape the way romantic love may be experienced.

Key Words::

• Romantic love
• hypomania
• female adolescents
• sleep
• physical activity

Acknowledgements

We thank all female adolescents and their parents who consented to participation. Moreover, we thank Nick Emler (Surrey, UK) for proofreading the manuscript.

Statement of interest

The study has been conducted without external funding and all authors declare no conflict of interest.