Emerging Love: A Subjective Exploration of Romantic Bonds in Early Adulthood Within the South Korean Context

Abstract

This study examines and categorises subjective perceptions of love among individuals in their twenties and thirties, offering insights into their viewpoints during early adulthood. The study employed the Q methodology, suitable for analysing subjective perceptions such as perspectives, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. It included 23 participants selected through purposive sampling from the 2030 generation residing in South Korea, with 40 statements constructed for the research. The findings revealed four types. Type 1, 'Love Healing', experiences psychological well-being through love. Type 2, 'Love Anxious', longs for true love but is anxious. Type 3, 'Love Myself', expresses hope for healthy love through self-awareness. Type 4, 'Love Mate', seeks to maintain psychological love while pursuing independence. This research also explores similarities and differences between existing adult attachment and love types, highlighting the need for practical support tailored to each type. These insights may serve as a foundation for developing coaching and counselling services that help individuals in their twenties and thirties cultivate healthy love and mature into their authentic selves.