Resolving relationship dissolution—What predicts emotional adjustment after breakup?

Abstract

Relationship dissolution is a critical life event individuals have to cope with. Factors like relationship duration and relationship quality or having a new partner are likely to affect how people recover emotionally from a separation, which is linked to long‐term adjustment. However, prospective evidence on the role of these factors is scarce. Hence, this study aims to investigate predictors of emotional recovery following relationship dissolution. Pooled data of the German Family Panel pairfam on 3734 separation events of 2709 individuals aged 18 to 48 were used, applying a statistical model called seemingly unrelated regressions to predict emotional outcomes (relief, anger, guilt, and sadness) and the general emotional state regarding separation. Sociodemographic and relationship characteristics, indicators of relationship quality, conditions of the separation, and features of the current situation were considered as potential predictors. Regression analyses evidence strong links of initiator status, having a new partner, time since separation, and satisfaction with the social network to less negative emotional outcomes following separation. Relationship quality or serious problems before the separation only affected some of the investigated emotional outcomes. Interestingly, the predictors investigated were less powerful in explaining respondents' feelings of guilt compared to the other emotions. Overall, these findings provide deeper insight into short‐term adjustment to separation. Understanding these processes may help to assess risk factors for negative coping mechanisms and improve tailored counseling strategies.

Explicating a comprehensive model of post-dissolution distress

“…We draw on previous research to suggest that this concept encompasses factors such as initiator status and breakup unexpectedness (Field et al, 2009;Frazier & Cook, 1993;Sprecher et al, 1998). Although initiators of the breakup can experience distress or depression (Akbari et al, 2022), they tend to see more benefits with regard to dissolution, and thus, adjust better to breakups than non-initiators (Carter et al, 2018;Pettit & Bloom, 1984;Thompson & Spanier, 1983;Tran et al, 2023). Non-initiators, by contrast, report more emotional distress and preoccupation with former partners (Davis et al, 2003;Field et al, 2009;Waller & MacDonald, 2010).…”

“…Time since the breakup. Aligning with the adage that "time heals all wounds," research has established that distress diminishes with time (Field et al, 2009;Millings et al, 2020;O'Hara et al, 2020;Sbarra & Emery, 2005;Sprecher et al, 1998;Tran et al, 2023). Several studies have included time since the breakup as either a control variable (e.g., del Palacio-González et al, 2017;Moller et al, 2003) or predictor or mediator of PDD (Field et al, 2009;Knopfli et al, 2016;Sprecher et al, 1998;Yarnoz-Yaben et al, 2016).…”

“…As denoted by interdependence theory, the termination of relationships involves the loss of rewards and resources (Monroe et al, 1999;Prigerson et al, 1995); yet, perceiving high quality alternatives in one's dating landscape could provide confidence in recapturing those losses elsewhere. Additionally, the effect of current relationship status on individuals' attitudes toward their ex-partner is especially pronounced for non-initiators, as research reveals that dating a new partner is associated with fewer positive attitudes toward an ex-partner (Imhoff & Banse, 2011) and greater adjustment (Tran et al, 2023). Other substitutions for the relationship can serve a similar function to alleviate PDD (Baumeister & Leary, 1995;Spielmann et al, 2009;Vaughan, 1986).…”

“…This would be predicted by the dyadic withdrawal hypothesis as well (Johnson & Leslie, 1982); the time devoted to the romantic partner could be redirected to friendships after breakups (Dailey et al, 2015), which could help alleviate distress. Research indeed finds that postdissolution support from the social network is beneficial in adjusting to dissolution (Krumei et al, 2007;Tran et al, 2023). On the other hand, the social-cognitive processing model explains how behaviors from social network members that are unsupportive or constraining can discourage individuals from disclosing, thereby increasing distress (Lepore, 2001;Lepore & Revenson, 2007).…”

A qualitative analysis and evaluation of social support received after experiencing a broken marriage engagement and impacts on holistic health

“…In contrast, the loss of a spouse as a key support person can create a support deficiency (Cutrona & Suhr, 1992 ; Stroebe & Stroebe, 1983 ). It follows, then, that a broken engagement would likely cause a significant need for helpful social support messages from friends, family, and acquaintances during this life transition to avoid or lessen the potential negative health effects, and evidence demonstrates that having a strong social support network can help people deal with the negative emotions and health effects from loss and breakups (Soulsby & Bennett, 2015 ; Tran et al, 2023 ).…”