Shruti Narain

@manavrachna.edu.in

Associate Professor, Department of Applied Psychology
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies

Shruti Narain


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RESEARCH INTERESTS

Socially relevant research
4

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Exploring Online Romance in India During COVID-19: A Case of Committed vs. Casual Romantic Relationships
    Saurabh Maheshwari, Parvati Varma, Jeshmeen Deb Barman, Shruti Narain
    Interpersona, 2025
    Building on the uses and gratifications approach and social compensation hypothesis, the present study examines the impact of online romance on relationship apprehension, loneliness, perceived internet essentiality, and relationship initiation. A total of 624 young adults (Mage = 20.95 years; 404 women, 220 men) engaged in online romance participated in the study. Of these, 266 reported to be in a committed relationship, and 358 reported to be engaged in casual romantic relationships. Data were collected via an online survey created using Google Forms, and distributed through email, WhatsApp, and social media to students from various Indian higher educational institutions. The survey included a study overview, informed consent, and questions based on both standardized and self-developed scales. Participation was voluntary, and consent was obtained before filling out the form. Results showed both committed and casual participants were highly involved in online romance during the lockdown period. However, moderator analysis revealed that online romance reduces relationship apprehension (B = -.24, SE = .03, t = 9.51, p<.001, f2 = .166) and loneliness (B = -.32, SE = .06, t = 5.66, p<.001, f2 = .054) among committed couples but intensifies these mental states for casual relationship individuals. Furthermore, it shows that online romance correlates significantly with perceived internet essentiality, regardless of commitment status (B = -.04, SE = .04, t = 0.88, p = .379, f2 = .001), and catalyzes relationship initiation among casual relationship participants but holds no such influence on committed couples (B = -.16, SE= .05, t = 2.95, p = .003, f2 = .02). The results overall shows that while the impact of online romance were beneficial for committed individuals, it had negative impact on individuals involved in casual relationship. This study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted role of online romance in contemporary relationships.
  • Development and Validation of the 14-Item Intentions Toward Infidelity Scale
    Kashish Pandey, Shruti Narain, Azmat Jahan
    Deviant Behavior, 2024
    Infidelity is labeled as an unforgivable betrayal in dyadic relationships. It is essential to understand the intentions of committing betrayal to interpret these behaviors. Previous researchers have given well-elucidated justifications for committing infidelity. However, a new measure of intentions toward infidelity is required because existing measures focus on reasons, attitudes, and justifications rather than directly assessing specific intentions. Additionally, infidelity is a multifaceted phenomenon and a dedicated measure for intentions provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of individuals’ likelihood to engage in such behavior. Hence, the present study was conceptualized. The sample comprised 561 adults, 489 university students, and 72 working professionals. Out of the total sample, 189 were males (33.69%) and 372 females (66.31%) aged 18 to 50 years (Mage = 21.23, SDage = 4.44 years). Exploratory factor analysis along with confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the dimensionality and validate the measurement theory of the current scale. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit and suggested intentions toward the infidelity scale as a unidimensional construct. These preliminary results confirm that this construct has the premises to be validated as a reliable instrument for measuring intentions toward infidelity.
  • Expanding the Self Behind Closed Doors: Exploring the Role of the Lockdown in Self-Realization Among Young Adults
    Shruti Narain, Saurabh Maheshwari
    Journal of Adult Development, 2022
  • Lonely at Home: Exploring Factors Associated with Loneliness Among Female Students at Home During COVID-19 Lockdown in India
    Shruti Narain, Saurabh Maheshwari
    Family Journal, 2022
    The present study explores loneliness among female students who stayed at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Recent research has shown a sharp rise in the self-reported incidences of loneliness, especially among females during the lockdown imposed in most regions around the globe. The studies have also shown that those with lower self-control and a negative self-image are more vulnerable to negative emotional and behavioral outcomes. Therefore, it would be interesting to see how are these aspects related to loneliness among young females that too in a patriarchal society such as India. Whether family dynamics have any impact on mitigating loneliness or not has also been investigated. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted on 1023 female students of various universities/colleges across India. The results show that loneliness is found less among the females who showed better self-control, positive self-image, and good family relationship. Though household work engagement can keep females busy, it has little to do with their feeling of loneliness. The study indicates that living with family members is not enough to deal with loneliness. Rather it requires a good relationship with family members, self-control, and a positive self-image. Hence, to deal with the loneliness issues that youth are facing at present, family connectedness and constructive self-view need to be (re)established to prevent loneliness from causing severe mental problems.