Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation

Abstract

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.

Heartache in Young Adulthood: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Spanish Version of the Breakup Distress Scale

“…On the other hand, the negative relationship between time elapsed since the breakup and the breakup distress reported was also congruent with previous research in the literature (Dailey et al, 2020; Field et al, 2009; 2012; Hawley et al, 2015). This negative relationship could be explained by taking into account that time is one of the most helpful factors in getting over a romantic breakup (Carter et al, 2019; Knox et al, 2000).…”

“…The first, and most common approach, has been to evaluate how current experiences of breakup distress are related to the time since the breakup. In this regard, the results in the literature (the majority from adolescent and young adult populations) have been consistent in showing that they are inversely related: the less time since breakup, the greater the breakup distress (Dailey et al, 2020;Field et al, 2009;Hawley et al, 2015). Indeed, time since the breakup has been identified as one of the most helpful factors in getting over a broken heart (Knox et al, 2000).…”

“…In addition, the effects of initiator status in the SEM model were statistically controlled by gender and time since the breakup. Because breakup distress was measured up to the present moment, it was expected to have negative relationship with time since the breakup (Dailey et al, 2020; Field et al, 2009; 2012; Hawley et al, 2015). In the case of gender, although women are often predicted to experience greater breakup distress, the literature has provided mixed results (Field et al, 2009; 2013; Hawley et al, 2015; Madey & Jilek, 2012; Marshall et al, 2013).…”

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

“…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). Additionally, anxiously attached individuals tend to ruminate on and report more regrets about their past relationships (Saffrey & Ehrenberg, 2007).…”

Young People’s Voices and Science for Overcoming Toxic Relationships Represented in Sex Education

“…However, when these romantic relationships go through “heartbreak” or “post-relationship grief”, universal life stress occurs that affects the microbiota. Other research highlights that poor-quality affective-sexual relationships can lead to depression [ 42 ], anxiety [ 43 ], fear [ 44 ], anguish [ 45 ], memory disturbances [ 46 ], emotional disorders [ 47 ], environmentally-sensitive physiological impairment (e.g., of central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems) [ 48 ], different somatic symptoms [ 49 ], and even an increase in the tendency to commit suicide in some people [ 50 ]. In addition, there is increased dissatisfaction with the relationship [ 51 ].…”