Influencia de los mitos del amor en la toma de decisiones afectivas en estudiantes universitarios de 20 a 25 años en Quito - Ecuador

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the influence of romantic love myths on the affective decision-making of university students aged 20 to 25 in Quito, Ecuador, during the year 2025. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, with a narrative design, employing semi-structured interviews as the data collection tool. The sample consisted of eight university students selected through non- probability and purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed through a process of categorization and content analysis, which allowed for the identification of romantic love myths related to both an idealization of the relationship and the association between jealousy and love, as well as the concept of total surrender, in the data collection process. Furthermore, it was evident that affective decision-making is primarily mediated by emotional and social factors, such as fear of abandonment, emotional dependence, and pressure from the social environment, in many cases fromfamily, friends, and even social networks. The study concludes that myths about love significantly influence the emotional decisions of university students.