Predictors of Breakup Distress Among Residential College Students

Students living in residential college settings may face particular challenges following the termination of romantic relationships, such as the possibility of frequent contact with former romantic partners. This study assessed predictors of distress following breakups among students enrolled in a small, residential liberal arts college. Students who had experienced the termination of a romantic relationship in the past year reported characteristics of their relationship and the level of distress they experienced in the two week period following the breakup. Female students and students who did not initiate termination of the romantic relationship reported significantly greater distress. Relationship length was also positively associated with breakup distress. Students whose former partners were fellow students did not report greater distress than students whose former partners were not enrolled at the school. As developing intimate relationships is a key challenge of early adulthood, it is important to understand factors related to the experience of emotional distress when romantic relationships end.