Romantic relationship quality, adverse childhood experiences, and association between romantic relationship quality and mental health of Chulalongkorn University undergraduate students

Abstract

Background: Initiating and having a romantic relationship in late adolescence is a significant part of emotional, mental, and social development into adulthood. High-quality romantic relationships are associated with better mental health. Additionally, having a good romantic relationship is linked to a positive parenting and childhood experiences.

Objective: To explore the mental health, romantic relationship quality, and associated factors of undergraduate students from Chulalongkorn University.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with the participation of 416 undergraduate students from Chulalongkorn University. All of them had been in a romantic relationship for at least three months and completed four self-reported questionnaires in Thai version: Demographic data form, The perceived relationship quality component scale, General health questionnaire-30, and adverse childhood experiences questionnaire.

Results: Most undergraduate students are male (62.7%), Most of them (85.1%) also reported adverse childhood experiences. Majority of the students (46.9%) had the high level of overall romantic relationship. Nearly half of them (45.9%) had abnormal mental health. The associated factors that related to their abnormal mental health were studying in social sciences and humanities, and physical sciences. Having a grade point average (GPA) below 3.3 (P < 0.05), have an inadequate financial sufficiency, no exercise or not engaging in sports and games as hobbies (P < 0.01), and having a psychiatric chronic condition (P < 0.05). Regarding romantic relationship factors, having a romantic relationship duration of more than 6 months (P < 0.01). Had adverse childhood experiences (P < 0.05), had multiple adverse experiences, and had multiple Household dysfunction issues (P < 0.01). Predictors of normal mental health included studying in medical sciences, having a GPA above 3.3, have sufficient financial sufficiency, exercising 4 times a week or more, engaging in sports or games as hobbies, not having a psychiatric disorder (P < 0.05), having a romantic relationship duration within the first 6 months, and not having adverse childhood experiences (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: High-quality romantic relationships were influenced by having normal mental health whereas low quality of romantic relationship and abnormal mental health were related to adverse childhood experiences. Therefore, having good childhood experiences and normal mental health will also help improving a high-quality romantic relationship among couples.