Date of Award
Summer 9-24-2021
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Melissa Berninger
Second Advisor
Cindy Struckman-Johnson
Third Advisor
Leah Seurer
Keywords
breakups, relationships, breakup model, attachment styles, mediated breakup
Subject Categories
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Family, Life Course, and Society | Human Factors Psychology | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Leisure Studies | Other Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology | Social Psychology and Interaction
Abstract
This thesis reviews research on the most difficult aspect of dating: the breakup. The process of ending a romantic relationship follows a particular pattern which begins when problems begin to arise in the partnership and ends when both individuals have accepted the breakup and received closure. Using various peer-reviewed studies, the literature review deliberates the common predictors of a breakup, common methods of breaking up (and how each is perceived by the other person), common reactions to the breakup based on gender, and finally, the aftermath of the breakup. It is determined that personal and individual relationship factors ultimately decide the fate of a breakup; however, there is no single correct answer. Therefore, comprehension of the breakup model is beneficial for those seeking to end their partnership as it takes into account contextual differences and advises the course of a breakup.
Recommended Citation
Salzwedel, Emma, "The Art of Breaking Up: Ending Romantic Relationships" (2021). Honors Thesis. 223.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/223
Included in
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Leisure Studies Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons