Are Single Women Always Seeking Love? Differences in Romantic Competence Based on Dating Experience among Emerging Adult Women

Rea Elayna Harapentha Barus (State University of Semarang)
Pradipta Christy Pratiwi (State University of Semarang)

Psikoborneo : Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): Psikoborneo: Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi

Romantic relationships are often viewed as an important source of well-being for women during emerging adulthood. However, increasing reports of unhealthy relationships suggest that involvement in romantic relationships does not always indicate an individual’s ability to manage romantic relationships adaptively. This study examined differences in romantic competence between single young adult women with and without dating experience. This study employed a quantitative comparative cross-sectional design involving 328 unmarried women aged 18–25 years selected through purposive sampling. Romantic competence was measured using the Inventory of Romantic Relationship Competence (IRRC). Data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test with Welch correction and confirmed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The findings revealed a significant difference in romantic competence between the two groups, t(300.35) = -4.98, p < .001. Women with dating experience showed higher romantic competence (M = 121.54, SD = 9.55) than women without dating experience (M = 114.91, SD = 14.31). The implications of this study highlight the need to develop programs aimed at enhancing romantic competence, particularly for young adult women who are at the age range of preparing for marriage, in order to foster healthy relationships. Hubungan romantis kerap dipandang sebagai sumber penting kesejahteraan perempuan pada masa dewasa awal. Namun, meningkatnya fenomena hubungan yang tidak sehat menunjukkan bahwa keterlibatan dalam hubungan romantis tidak selalu menunjukkan kemampuan individu dalam mengelola hubungan romantis secara adaptif. Penelitian ini bertujuan menguji perbedaan romantic competence antara perempuan lajang dewasa awal yang memiliki pengalaman berpacaran dan yang belum pernah berpacaran. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain komparatif cross-sectional. Partisipan terdiri dari 328 perempuan belum menikah berusia 18–25 tahun yang dipilih menggunakan purposive sampling. Romantic competence diukur menggunakan Inventory of Romantic Relationship Competence (IRRC). Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan independent samples t-test dengan koreksi Welch dan dikonfirmasi melalui uji Mann–Whitney U. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya perbedaan signifikan pada romantic competence antara kedua kelompok, t(300,35) = -4,98, p < .001. Kelompok dengan pengalaman berpacaran memiliki romantic competence yang lebih tinggi (M = 121,54; SD = 9,55) dibandingkan kelompok tanpa pengalaman berpacaran (M = 114,91; SD = 14,31). Implikasi dari penelitian ini perlu adanya pengembangan program peningkatan kompetensi romantis utamanya pada perempuan dewasa muda yang di rentang usia siap menikah, agar relasi sehat dapat diwujudkan.