ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP DISSOLUTION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE: BREAKUP AND COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

Compared with romantic relationships in adulthood, romantic relationships among young people differ in certain characteristics, such as duration, the normative developmental tasks associated with adolescence and early adulthood, and the reasons for and consequences of their dissolution. Unlike those who have been left (non-initiators), breakup initiators tend to experience fewer unpleasant emotions and fewer negative consequences of the breakup because they make the decision to end the relationship, choose the breakup strategy and cope with the breakup more successfully. The aim of this paper is to examine existing scholarly and professional insights focusing on the specific characteristics of young people’s romantic relationships, breakup strategies and strategies for coping with a breakup, as well as the possible consequences of a breakup for young people. This is important for understanding the breakup process and providing support to young people, helping them accept and adjust to the experience of a breakup.