A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z

Romantic love is hard to define, as it varies greatly due to factors like sex at birth, past experiences, and cultural background. These differences shape personal standards for an ideal partner, further influenced by generational shifts that impact how each generation views romance. This study addr...

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Main Authors: Exequiel Josh Manalili, Marie Chiela Malcampo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Institute of Industry and Academic Research Incorporated 2025-06-01
Series:International Review of Social Sciences Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://iiari.org/journal_article/a-narrative-exploration-of-romantic-experiences-and-ideal-relationship-standards-among-filipino-gen-z/
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author Exequiel Josh Manalili
Marie Chiela Malcampo
author_facet Exequiel Josh Manalili
Marie Chiela Malcampo
author_sort Exequiel Josh Manalili
collection DOAJ
description Romantic love is hard to define, as it varies greatly due to factors like sex at birth, past experiences, and cultural background. These differences shape personal standards for an ideal partner, further influenced by generational shifts that impact how each generation views romance. This study addresses notable research gaps, including the limited exploration of romantic love in general and the lack of focus on Generation Z’s unique experiences in forming romantic ideals. It also examines the tendency to focus mainly on social media and online dating, often overlooking other factors that influence Generation Z's views on love. The study gathered data from nine Filipino participants who belong to Generation Z and have experienced romantic relationships. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. It was found that Filipino Generation Z’s romantic ideals are shaped by diverse influences, including media portrayals, cultural norms, and personal experiences. While personal growth and shared values are significant, the key discovery is that individual introspection and self-reflection play a central role in shaping romantic standards. This study suggests that counseling practices can be enhanced by integrating Adler’s theory of subjective interpretation and Glasser’s choice theory. Both frameworks emphasize the role of self-awareness and personal agency in decision-making, aligning with Generation Z’s introspective approach to love. By understanding that Generation Z’s romantic standards are not solely shaped by societal norms but by conscious self-reflection, counselors can better support clients in making relationship choices rooted in authenticity and personal values. This approach supports healthier relationship dynamics by fostering self-awareness and autonomy of Generation Z individuals wanting to pursue romantic relationships.
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spelling doaj-art-d29424be8b3243b7bc1d81217d77802d2025-08-20T02:49:59ZengInstitute of Industry and Academic Research IncorporatedInternational Review of Social Sciences Research2782-92272782-92352025-06-015212615510.53378/irssr.353199A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen ZExequiel Josh Manalili 0Marie Chiela Malcampo1Philippine Normal University-ManilaPhilippine Normal University-ManilaRomantic love is hard to define, as it varies greatly due to factors like sex at birth, past experiences, and cultural background. These differences shape personal standards for an ideal partner, further influenced by generational shifts that impact how each generation views romance. This study addresses notable research gaps, including the limited exploration of romantic love in general and the lack of focus on Generation Z’s unique experiences in forming romantic ideals. It also examines the tendency to focus mainly on social media and online dating, often overlooking other factors that influence Generation Z's views on love. The study gathered data from nine Filipino participants who belong to Generation Z and have experienced romantic relationships. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. It was found that Filipino Generation Z’s romantic ideals are shaped by diverse influences, including media portrayals, cultural norms, and personal experiences. While personal growth and shared values are significant, the key discovery is that individual introspection and self-reflection play a central role in shaping romantic standards. This study suggests that counseling practices can be enhanced by integrating Adler’s theory of subjective interpretation and Glasser’s choice theory. Both frameworks emphasize the role of self-awareness and personal agency in decision-making, aligning with Generation Z’s introspective approach to love. By understanding that Generation Z’s romantic standards are not solely shaped by societal norms but by conscious self-reflection, counselors can better support clients in making relationship choices rooted in authenticity and personal values. This approach supports healthier relationship dynamics by fostering self-awareness and autonomy of Generation Z individuals wanting to pursue romantic relationships.https://iiari.org/journal_article/a-narrative-exploration-of-romantic-experiences-and-ideal-relationship-standards-among-filipino-gen-z/psychologypartner standardsromantic relationshipsfilipinogeneration z
spellingShingle Exequiel Josh Manalili
Marie Chiela Malcampo
A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
International Review of Social Sciences Research
psychology
partner standards
romantic relationships
filipino
generation z
title A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
title_full A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
title_fullStr A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
title_full_unstemmed A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
title_short A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
title_sort narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among filipino gen z
topic psychology
partner standards
romantic relationships
filipino
generation z
url https://iiari.org/journal_article/a-narrative-exploration-of-romantic-experiences-and-ideal-relationship-standards-among-filipino-gen-z/
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