Advisor(s)
Dr. Kofi Nsia-Pepra
Dr. Robert Carrothers
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Dean's Heritage
Start Date
21-4-2026 4:10 PM
End Date
21-4-2026 4:25 PM
Abstract
As the parties continue to polarize, Generation Z becomes the current rising generation, and the average age for marriage increases, the dynamics between these phenomena is studied through surveys conducted on Ohio Northern University students in Ada, OH. To understand the psychology of how politics impact our romantic relations further research is necessary. The new era of college aged individuals is a rising generation. The viewpoints of the group are important to understand as the definitions and importance of marriage and romantic relationships shift with the generation. Romantic relationships and marriages are seen as binding, while college and education in general provide a sense of freedom. The eternal presence of politics impacts this dichotomy in a way that is studied through the current generation (Generation Z). In modern politics, there is a lack of collaboration and interpersonal relationships happening across the party lines. Romantic relationships are almost always chosen by both individuals for this level of commitment. One cannot choose their coworkers or their peers and thus they must work with the hypothetical political differences, but in romantic relationships choice is the foundation. According to preliminary research, college students want romantic partners that align with their political beliefs because the current generation cares deeply about politics. If people are not able to find different political beliefs within their own relationships, romantic or interpersonal, the fear is for political echo chambers and a lack of acceptance for others' beliefs and opinions.
Recommended Citation
Hamill, Abigail A., "The Role of Partisanship in Forming Romantic College Relationships" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 43.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Papers/43
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
The Role of Partisanship in Forming Romantic College Relationships
ONU McIntosh Center; Dean's Heritage
As the parties continue to polarize, Generation Z becomes the current rising generation, and the average age for marriage increases, the dynamics between these phenomena is studied through surveys conducted on Ohio Northern University students in Ada, OH. To understand the psychology of how politics impact our romantic relations further research is necessary. The new era of college aged individuals is a rising generation. The viewpoints of the group are important to understand as the definitions and importance of marriage and romantic relationships shift with the generation. Romantic relationships and marriages are seen as binding, while college and education in general provide a sense of freedom. The eternal presence of politics impacts this dichotomy in a way that is studied through the current generation (Generation Z). In modern politics, there is a lack of collaboration and interpersonal relationships happening across the party lines. Romantic relationships are almost always chosen by both individuals for this level of commitment. One cannot choose their coworkers or their peers and thus they must work with the hypothetical political differences, but in romantic relationships choice is the foundation. According to preliminary research, college students want romantic partners that align with their political beliefs because the current generation cares deeply about politics. If people are not able to find different political beliefs within their own relationships, romantic or interpersonal, the fear is for political echo chambers and a lack of acceptance for others' beliefs and opinions.