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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.
Disclosure statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest and were provided no funds for the research.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kerry R. Carter
Kerry S. Carter is a B.A. candidate in Sociology at East Carolina University. She aspires to begin her MA program in the fall of 2019 in Marriage and Family Therapy.
David Knox
David Knox PhD is a Professor of Sociology, East Carolina University. He has published over 125 articles on relationships, love, and sexuality and the co-author of five textbooks including Human Sexuality (with Sue Milstein) (Best Value Textbooks).
Scott S. Hall
Scott S. Hall PhD is Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Family, Consumer, and Technology Education at Ball State University) emphasizes research on dating dynamics.