Benefit Finding and Psychological Adjustment Following a Non-Marital Relationship Breakup

Abstract

Many people experience a non-marital relationship breakup, which can lead to poor adjustment outcomes; however, relative to divorce, non-marital breakups have received less research attention, particularly on factors that may predict positive adjustment outcomes. We examined the adaptive role of finding benefits in a non-marital breakup in 140 participants who completed measures of benefit finding, the impact of the event, and adjustment. Regression analyses found that benefit finding related to positive adjustment outcomes and that the benefit finding-depression relationship was moderated by the impact of the event. This study provides empirical support for benefit finding in a non-marital relationship breakup.

Making Sense and Moving On

“…Our findings add to those of Samios and colleagues (2014) in that searching for meaning, benefits, or positives of dissolution may be linked to better adjustment. Distress is considered necessary to fuel a search for meaning (Park, 2010; Samios, Henson, & Simpson, 2014). Perhaps those who were not distressed at the time of dissolution are less likely to search for meaning to more fully understand the reasons for a breakup.…”

“…Similar to the benefit finding research by Helgeson, Reynolds, and Tomich (2006), understanding why a breakup happened may lead to better well-being and less mental distress as individuals search for the positives in gaining relationship closure. Our findings add to those of Samios and colleagues (2014) in that searching for meaning, benefits, or positives of dissolution may be linked to better adjustment. Distress is considered necessary to fuel a search for meaning (Park, 2010; Samios, Henson, & Simpson, 2014).…”

“…Meaning-focused coping strategies such as identifying positives and benefit finding following a stressful event are linked to positive emotions and less distress in general traumatic event literature (Davis, Nolen-Hoeksema, & Larson, 1998; Folkman & Moskowitz, 2000; Park, 2010). Samios, Henson, and Simpson (2014) found that benefit finding in the context of nonmarital dissolution was related to better adjustment including positive affect, depression, and overall satisfaction with life. Whether meaning-making, closure, or benefit finding then go on to predict functioning in future romantic relationships has not, however, been explored thus far.…”

Perceived post-traumatic growth may not reflect actual positive change: A short-term prospective study of relationship dissolution

“…The core category of the study was “Moving Self Forward” (Herbert & Popadiuk, 2008), suggesting that emerging adults may have a developmental imperative to move forward with dating relationships and perhaps perceived growth/PR helps to make that possible. Samios, Henson, and Simpson (2014) found empirical support for the adaptive role that perceived growth can play post-breakup: It can reduce depression symptoms and improve overall adjustment.…”

“…Individuals have reported PTG (e.g., more than five positive changes per participant) following relationship dissolution in retrospective studies (Herbert & Popadiuk, 2008; Samios, Henson, & Simpson, 2014; Tashiro & Frazier, 2003). Herbert and Popadiuk noted that the growth documented in their study resembled maturational growth typical in emerging adults, but that this maturation occurred more rapidly, perhaps accelerated by the breakup.…”