Young Adults’ Perception of Breadcrumbing Victimization in Dating Relationships

Abstract

Background: Breadcrumbing is an unexplored dating trend disguised in the form of subtle manipulation in relationships. With the increase in online dating apps, people have started to initiate, maintain and end relationships, and the use of manipulative tactics have increased on such platforms. The present study explores the meaning of breadcrumbing and its effects on the breadcrumbie’s mental health and wellbeing. Method: The research design was qualitative in nature through the use of focus group discussions. Two focus group discussions were conducted including nine participants in total (one male, eight females). Results: After the data analysis, five major themes emerged defining breadcrumbing—charm, leading on, incongruence, avoiding emotional investment and commitment uncertainty. Conversational fragments also revealed that breadcrumbing had an impact on the breadcrumbie’s future relationships, emotional disturbance, self-concept, and signs of depression. The red flags and effective coping strategies were also discovered with the help of a thematic analysis. Further research on personality correlates of breadcrumbing perpetration and victimization is recommended.

Attachment insecurity and breadcrumbing engagement in young adults: a cross-sectional, cross-country study in India and Spain

“…Thus, the breadcrumber leaves little clues or signs of interest, such as occasional text messages, superficial flirtation, or sporadic invitations to go out, but without any real commitment or significant emotional investment [ 13 ]. More recently, breadcrumbing has been described as subtle manipulation tactic in dating relationships where the perpetrator “displays love, affection and sexual interest to their partners at the beginning of dating, often posing to be charming, flirtatious, and attractive” [ 14 ], but finally evolving into rather incongruent behaviour characterized by lack of commitment and avoidance of interactions.…”

“…Breadcrumbies receiving these mixed signals may build up expectations and hopes thinking there is genuine interest, only to find that the interest quickly disappears or decreases [ 6 ]. The lack of clarity and commitment in the actions of the breadcrumbing perpetrator can create an emotionally uncertain and destabilizing environment [ 6 , 14 ]. Although there is still little empirical evidence regarding the breadcrumbing phenomenon, the available research has shown that experiencing breadcrumbing is associated with feelings of helplessness and self-doubt, lower self-esteem, experience of loneliness, and is also related with lower life satisfaction and difficulties in the development of future relationships [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…The lack of clarity and commitment in the actions of the breadcrumbing perpetrator can create an emotionally uncertain and destabilizing environment [ 6 , 14 ]. Although there is still little empirical evidence regarding the breadcrumbing phenomenon, the available research has shown that experiencing breadcrumbing is associated with feelings of helplessness and self-doubt, lower self-esteem, experience of loneliness, and is also related with lower life satisfaction and difficulties in the development of future relationships [ 14 , 15 ]. Breadcrumbing has been also associated with problems on self-concept, self-confidence and emotional stability on those who engage in it [ 16 ].…”

“…Despite a general lack of data, some studies have highlighted the absence of significant gender differences in engaging in breadcrumbing [ 13 , 16 ]. However, qualitative research available on receivers’ experiences of breadcrumbing found more difficulties to obtain the data on men’s experiences in comparison to women’s experiences [ 14 ]. Therefore, more data is needed before suggesting the gender differences in breadcrumbing, and this study aimed to further analyse if there are gender differences in breadcrumbing involvement.…”

“…With regard to age, available studies have shown that breadcrumbing behaviours are common in adolescents’ and young adults’ populations [ 14 , 16 ], with emerging adults (18–25 years old) reporting slightly higher scores on breadcrumbing behaviours [ 13 ]. This could be in part because emerging adults are learning how to navigate the emotionally complex field of intimate relationships which includes the interpersonal communication skills and personal responsibilities.…”