Romantic relationships and loneliness in a group of South African postgraduate students

Lesch, Elmien; Casper, Rozanne; Watt, Alberta S. J. van der

doi:10.1080/21528586.2016.1182442

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 41 publications

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“…However, in this study the response rate was satisfactory, and the resulting sample was representative of the university population (Stellenbosch University, 2018 ). Indeed, the present study’s response rate was higher (7.9%) than a previous online study regarding romantic loneliness (6.3%) conducted among the same population (Lesch et al, 2016 ). Further, using G*Power (Erdfelder et al, 2009 ) the minimum sample required for an ANCOVA with three groups and eight covariates is 400, clearly indicating an adequately powered study.…”

Section: Discussion and Clinical Implicationscontrasting

confidence: 75%

Romantic relationship dissolutions are significantly associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms as compared to a DSM-5 Criterion A event: a case-case–control comparison

Watt

Kidd

Roos

et al. 2023

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

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Background: Non-marital romantic relationship dissolutions (RRDs) are common among emerging adult students (EAS) and may result in severe distress and suicidality. However, studies on RRDs in youth are limited to mental health sequelae of depression and prolonged grief. Little is known about the association between RRDs and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and how this compares to posttraumatic stress symptoms following a traumatogenic event. Objective: We aimed to determine the association between RRDs and PTSS in an EAS sample; and how this compared to the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5) traumatic event. Method: University students ( N = 2,022; female = 71.1%; 18–25 years) completed a demographic and relationship questionnaire, the Life Events Checklist, the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire, and the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist (PCL). We compared EAS with an RRD ( n = 886) or a DSM-5 criterion A traumatic event ( n = 592) against a control group ( n = 544) exposed to a non-traumatic stressful life event. Utilising ANOVAs and Pearson’s correlations we determined demographic and clinical variables associated with PTSS. ANCOVA and stepwise hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine between-group differences in PTSS. Results: Total trauma exposure and adverse childhood experiences, sex, monthly income, sexual orientation, and attachment style were significantly associated with PTSS. The RRD group had significantly higher PCL scores compared to the DSM and control groups. The mean PCL scores for both the RRD and DSM groups were above the cut-off score of 33, consistent with a probable posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis. Significantly more RRD participants (72.9%) scored above the cut-off score of 33 than DSM-5 Trauma Group participants (55.4%). Conclusion: An RRD is a potentially traumatic event and is significantly associated with PTSS, similar to a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis.

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Section: Discussion and Clinical Implicationscontrasting

confidence: 75%