Romantic Breakup: Difficult Loss for Some but Not for Others
Abstract A 32 item survey (completed by 286 undergraduates) identified factors associated with positive (feeling happy, less anxious, sense of relief, freedom) and negative (sadness, jealousy, loss of self esteem, anxiety) outcomes following a romantic breakup or loss. Analysis revealed complex associations but, in general, being female, Black, initiator of the breakup, and heterosexual were more likely to be associated with experiencing positive outcomes. Multivariate analyses suggested that being the initiator of the breakup was a key predictor of more favorable breakup outcomes. Symbolic interaction theory provided the theoretical framework for interpreting the findings, and limitations of the study were identified.