Individual determinants of distress and personal growth after relationship breakup

Čorić, Marija. (2013). Individual determinants of distress and personal growth after relationship breakup. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Kamenov, Željka].

PDF (Croatian) - Registered users only Download (220kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether and to what extent individual characteristics related to personality and self-image anticipate dealing with relationship breakup, taking into account who had initiated the breakup and the gender of the participants. Within the first problem we explored whether there are gender differences in personal growth and distress after the breakup and whether there are differences between the participants who initiated the breakup, together with a partner decided to breakup or were noninitiators. Within the second problem we examined the relative contribution of relevant personality traits, attachment dimensions and mate value in explaining personal growth and distress after relationship breakup. The study was conducted on a sample of 445 participants aged 18-30 years (197 men and 248 women). Results showed that women report more distress and growth after relationship breakup. The difference in growth considering the initiator of the breakup were insignificant, while noninitiators had significantly more distress than initiators or participants who together with a partner decided to breakup. Agreeableness, attachment anxiety and mate value were significant predictor of growth after breakup for men. We can conclude that men who are high in agreeableness, with a strong attachment anxiety and a higher mate value have higher growth after relationship breakup. Only significant predictor for women was attachment anxiety therefore women with a strong attachment anxiety have a higher growth after relationship breakup. Also, attachment anxiety was the only significant predictor of breakup distress. Participants with a strong attachment anxiety have more breakup distress.

Actions (login required)

View Item