A romantic breakup is the ending of an intimate romantic relationship. It can be initiated by one or both members, mutually agreed, abrupt, gradual, or the product of a previous deterioration process. Psychologically, it is a significant life event with grief comparable in intensity to other types of loss, although socially sometimes minimized.
Concept origin
Fisher HE. (2016). Broken bonds: What happens when a lover leaves. In The Neurobiology of Love (Ch. 5). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199356815.003.0005 · Sbarra DA, Emery RE. (2005). The emotional sequelae of nonmarital relationship dissolution. Psychological Bulletin, 131(1), 65-79. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.131.1.65
How it manifests
- ▸ Intense and persistent emotional pain
- ▸ Intrusive thinking about ex-partner
- ▸ Physical symptoms (insomnia, appetite loss, fatigue)
- ▸ Difficulty imagining the future
Therapeutic approach
CBT for grief works on loss integration. The no-contact rule (in breakups without children) facilitates reorganization. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) works on pain with openness and commitment to values.
Related concepts
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