Bridge, Linda J. (2024) Another Life: The Shape and Pace of Later-Life Romantic Relationships. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Australia’s increasing older adult population necessitates an examination of romantic relationship development in this demographic, given the persistent human need for love and connection throughout life. Previous research has highlighted factors such as family support, financial implications, and the shift from marriage to Living Apart Together as a trend. However, there is a lack of recent studies on later-life relationships, with the last published work within the Australian context dated 2014. This study employed a qualitative approach within a constructivist paradigm to explore beliefs and factors that influence the shape and pace of later-life romantic relationships. Participants aged 65 or older, either dating or repartnered after age 55, were interviewed. Six Queensland residents participated in semi-structured interviews, with transcripts analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: both shape and pace were influenced by the perception of time and an enduring quest for love. Shape was also affected by physical and emotional bonds, past experiences, and family approval, whereas pace was influenced by situational factors. Most participants cohabitated, with half remarrying later in life and enjoying "another life." Theoretical frameworks such as Giddens’ Pure Relationship Theory and Ross’ Social Attachment Continuum aid in understanding these relationships in later life. The findings suggest a broader investigation into ‘Relationship Careers’; analysing adult children’s views on their parents’ romantic relationships, exploring how these relationships develop over time, and addressing age-related biases and stereotypes.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Dr. Winterbotham, Sonya |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jan 2026 06:13 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jan 2026 06:13 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | older adults, pace, romantic relationships, shape, reflexive thematic analysis |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53081 |
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