Abstract
Romantic relationships are one form of interpersonal relationship that can influence the emotional and psychological conditions of university students. Romantic relationships can provide emotional support, comfort, attention, a place to share problems, and motivation. However, problems within romantic relationships, such as lack of communication, dishonesty, betrayal, and lack of family approval, can also become sources of emotional and psychological pressure. This study aims to describe the dynamics of romantic relationships and their impact on the mental health of UIN Palopo students. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The informants consisted of four UIN Palopo students selected using purposive sampling. The informants consisted of one male student and three female students from the Islamic Guidance and Counseling, Islamic Religious Education, and Islamic Education Management study programs, all of whom were eighth-semester students. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the dynamics of romantic relationships experienced by students developed through several stages, namely introduction, emotional closeness, commitment, conflict, and the end of the relationship. Communication, attention, trust, openness, and emotional attachment were important elements in the development and maintenance of relationships. Romantic relationships had positive impacts in the form of emotional support, comfort, attention, a place to share stories and problems, and increased motivation. Meanwhile, negative impacts included sadness, disappointment, feelings of loss, stress, anxiety, frustration, mood changes, difficulty regulating emotions, decreased appetite, loss of motivation, and reduced social interaction. Thus, romantic relationships can have both positive and negative impacts on students' mental health depending on the dynamics and experiences that occur within the relationship.
