College of Communication Master of Arts Theses

Date of Award

Spring 6-11-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Kendra Knight

Second Advisor

Bree McEwan

Abstract

Throughout a person’s life, it is likely that they will experience a romantic breakup at some point. However, post breakup experiences can differ from person to person. Many different things can impact a person’s post breakup experiences including their investment during the time of the relationship, as well as any communication that takes place after the breakup. Previous research has taken a look at post breakup experiences. However, little to no research has examined post breakup experiences while taking into consideration romantic beliefs. This study (N = 72) tested how a person’s investment during the relationship predicts post breakup distress, engagement in online surveillance of an ex-partner and communication with an ex-partner once the relationship has been terminated. Additionally, this study tested how endorsement of the love finds a way and one and only romantic beliefs predict post breakup distress, as well as continued communication with an ex-partner once the relationship has been terminated. Results indicated that investment during the time of the relationship positively associated with post breakup distress but did not positively associate with direct communication with an expartner, or online surveillance of an ex-partner after the breakup.

Results also indicated that endorsement of the love finds a way romantic belief positively associated with post breakup distress. However, there was no association found between the endorsement of the one and only romantic belief, and post breakup distress. This study failed to find an association between a person’s romantic beliefs of love finds a way and one and only and direct communication with an ex-partner. These findings suggest that investment and romantic beliefs impact a person’s distress post breakup and underscores the role that online surveillance and direct communication with an ex-partner play in a person’s post breakup experiences. Future research should further consider who initiated the breakup, why the relationship was terminated, and also any factors external to the relationship that necessitate interaction between ex-partner (e.g. ex-partners who are coworkers or co-parents).

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