Internal Migration & Experience of Intimacy Among Emerging Adults: Internal Migration and Experience of Intimacy

This book is aimed at understanding the experience of intimacy in the context of internal migration among female emerging adults, who were in the age range of 18-25. A phenomenological paradigm was followed, in understanding the lived experiences of 5 internal migrants. In- depth semi structured interviews were used to collect data and Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analyzing the data. The understanding of influences of internal migration and perception of gender role expectations in the experience of intimacy, were achieved by the emerging super ordinate themes. The themes elucidated dynamics in romantic relationships and friendships, with emphasis on certain dimensions of intimacy, such as commitment, physical presence of partner, emotional and physical intimacy. A breaking away from the traditional gender roles was also found among the female participants. The lack of research in the area of internal migration provides future scope for more in depth studies. The findings of the present study will cater to newer therapeutic models for the migrant population, and in multicultural counseling settings