On-Again, Off-Again Relationships

Dailey, René M.

doi:10.1017/9781108567756

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 406 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Perhaps one explanation for this is that on-off and non-cyclical partners’ experiences are more similar after breakups. In a review of the research, fewer differences between on-off and non-cyclical partners were found in the post-dissolution phase as compared to when partners were dating (e.g., in relational uncertainty, satisfaction with being single; Dailey, 2020). Hence, partners might also have similar experiences regarding ambivalence following a breakup regardless of whether they had a history of cycling or not.…”

Section: (Lack Of) Moderating Effect Of Relationship Typementioning

confidence: 99%

Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation

Dailey

Zhong

Pett

et al. 2020

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Relational ambivalence is conceptualized as having conflicting thoughts and feelings toward one’s partner or relationship. The current study explored how ambivalence about an ex-partner in a post-dissolution stage was associated with breakup distress as well as reconciliation. The moderating role of whether the relationship had previously cycled through breakups and renewals (on-off) or not (non-cyclical) was also examined. The 275 participants completed an initial survey following their most recent breakup (within the past 30 days) and up to five monthly surveys. Analyses showed cognitive and emotional ambivalence were associated with greater breakup distress and a greater likelihood of relationship renewal. Additionally, although cyclical partners had slightly greater emotional, but not cognitive, ambivalence toward their former partners, relationship type did not moderate the associations between ambivalence and breakup distress or reconciliation. The findings provide insights on how ambivalence could be incorporated into research on post-dissolution experiences.

show abstract

Section: (Lack Of) Moderating Effect Of Relationship Typementioning

confidence: 99%

Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation

Dailey

Zhong

Pett

et al. 2020

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Given that cycling is associated with a variety of negative interpersonal and intrapersonal well‐being factors, researchers should explore potential predictors of on–off instability. Namely, research assessing intrapersonal factors or selection effects that predispose someone to cycling are in need of investigation in future research (see Dailey, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Compared with those without a history of cycling, on–off relationships are associated with higher rates of violence and verbal abuse, poorer communication, as well as lower levels of satisfaction and commitment (see Dailey, ; Dailey et al, ; Halpern‐Meekin et al, ). Individuals in on–off unions are also plagued with uncertainty about the future of their relationships and invest less into these partnerships, which results in lower levels of relationship maintenance aimed at preserving long‐term commitment (Dailey, Hampel, & Roberts, ).…”

Section: On‐again/off‐again Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One salient form of chronic relationship turmoil is the experience of dramatic fluctuations in relationship status, termed on‐again/off‐again relationships, relationship cycling (Dailey, Pfiester, Jin, Beck, & Clark, ), or relationship churning (Halpern‐Meekin, Manning, Girdano, & Longmore, 2013a). This on–off cycling refers to relationships that are terminated and subsequently reconciled (Dailey et al, ) and is associated with notable impairments for partners (Dailey, ). Due to the relational distress created by on–off cycling, scholars have called for more research to expand the definition and measurement of instability beyond the dichotomous categorization of whether a relationship has been dissolved (Dailey et al, ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships

2018

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective To examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships. Background Relationship processes have a robust effect on individual well‐being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short‐lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships, but cycling in same‐sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities. Method Data from 545 individuals in same‐sex (n = 279) and different‐sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results The occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different‐sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health. Conclusion Patterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals. Implications Due to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.

show abstract

“…Whereas some individuals may attempt to alleviate post-dissolution distress by forming new relationships (e.g., rebound relationships; Brumbaugh & Fraley, 2014) others may focus on reestablishing a connection with their ex-partner (e.g., Dailey, 2020). For example, individuals who exhibit confusion-related distress are more likely to seek relationship rekindling (Dailey et al, 2020).…”

Section: Dissolution and Rekindlingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Putting me back together by getting back together: Post-dissolution self-concept confusion predicts rekindling desire among anxiously attached individuals

Cope

Mattingly

2020

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Previous research suggests that romantic relationship dissolution diminishes self-concept clarity, leading to emotional distress. Over time, people overcome breakup. But little is known about how people respond to the reduced self-concept clarity that results from this process. The current research examined predictors and mediators of relationship rekindling (desiring to reestablish a relationship with an ex-partner) as a method of navigating self-concept clarity impairment post-dissolution. In two cross-sectional studies, we found that attachment anxiety predicted relationship rekindling both retrospectively (Study 1) and concurrently (Study 2), and this association was mediated by self-concept clarity. These results indicate that anxiously attached individuals may attempt to resolve the substantial self-concept impairment posed by dissolution by reestablishing the relationship with the ex-partner.

show abstract

On-Again, Off-Again Relationships

Cited by 11 publications

References 406 publications

Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation

Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation

Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships

Putting me back together by getting back together: Post-dissolution self-concept confusion predicts rekindling desire among anxiously attached individuals

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About