Date of Award
Winter 3-20-2026
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Ryan Colby Rogers
Second Advisor
Natalie Vona
Third Advisor
Brittany Woolford
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Keywords
Abandonment, Anxiety, Apps, Attachment, Attachment style, Avoidance, Communication, Commitment, Convenience sampling, Couple, Dating, Deactivating strategies, Distance, Ghosting, Intimacy, Love, Modern love, Online dating, Rejection mindset, Relationship, Sadfishing, Single, Social media, Trust
Abstract
This paper serves as a companion to a documentary film that explores the shifting landscape of modern relationships. The film presents personal narratives about dating, connection, and commitment, and the paper offers an experiential exploration of these themes, focusing on dating dynamics, social media, online dating, lack of connection, Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19), video games, and the effects of overwhelming choice. Drawing from existing literature and insights gained during the filmmaking process, the paper analyzes broader societal and psychological patterns shaping modern relationships. Using a combination of filmed interviews and direct observation, the study examines the lived experiences of individuals navigating contemporary relationships. Each participant was asked 5 questions throughout the film. These questions included: "What if I said love isn't fireworks, it isn't boring, but it's meant to be somewhere in the middle.” “What does love mean to you?” “What would it look like for someone to see you for who you are?” "Are you afraid to be loved?” And finally, "what does it look like to be in a relationship/date today?" These questions helped shape not only the film but the paper as well.
Though inspired by real experiences, this work does not constitute a human subjects study but provides cultural and relational context. The project explores challenges such as disconnection, decision fatigue, and self-presentation pressures, while emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authentic engagement in building meaningful connections.
Copyright Date
10-30-2025
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Rafe Karen
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
46 pgs
File Size
582 KB
Recommended Citation
Karen, Rafe, "I Think You Overuse That Word: A Theoretical Examination from Multiple Lenses of "Why Relational Beings Have Become Hesitant to Commit."" (2026). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 579.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/579