Editing Intimate relationship (section)

== Course of intimate relationships ==
[[File:Factors influencing Interpersonal attraction.svg|thumb|Factors influencing [[Interpersonal attraction]]]]

=== Formation ===

==== Attraction ====
[[Interpersonal attraction]] is the foundation of first impressions between potential intimate partners. [[Relationship science|Relationship scientists]] suggest that the romantic spark, or "chemistry", that occurs between people is a combination of physical attraction, personal qualities, and a build-up of positive interactions between people.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eastwick |first1=Paul W. |last2=Finkel |first2=Eli J. |last3=Joel |first3=Samantha |date=2023 |title=Mate evaluation theory. |journal=Psychological Review |language=en |volume=130 |issue=1 |pages=211–241 |doi=10.1037/rev0000360 |pmid=35389716 |s2cid=248024402 |issn=1939-1471 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Researchers find physical attractiveness to be the largest predictor of initial attraction.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eastwick |first1=Paul W. |last2=Luchies |first2=Laura B. |last3=Finkel |first3=Eli J. |last4=Hunt |first4=Lucy L. |date=2014 |title=The predictive validity of ideal partner preferences: A review and meta-analysis. |url=http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/a0032432 |journal=Psychological Bulletin |language=en |volume=140 |issue=3 |pages=623–665 |doi=10.1037/a0032432 |pmid=23586697 |issn=1939-1455|url-access=subscription }}</ref> From an evolutionary perspective, this may be because people search for a partner (or potential mate) who displays indicators of good physical health.<ref>Graziano, William G.; Bruce, Jennifer Weisho, {{Citation |title=Attraction and the Initiation of Relationships: A Review of the Empirical Literature |date=2018-09-05 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780429020513-24 |work=Handbook of Relationship Initiation |pages=275–301 |access-date=2023-11-01 |publisher=Psychology Press |doi=10.4324/9780429020513-24 |isbn=978-0-429-02051-3|s2cid=210531741 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Yet, there is also evidence that couples in committed intimate relationships tend to match each other in physical attractiveness, and are rated as similarly physically attractive by both the members of the couple and by outside observers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Feingold |first=Alan |date=1988 |title=Matching for attractiveness in romantic partners and same-sex friends: A meta-analysis and theoretical critique. |url=http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/0033-2909.104.2.226 |journal=Psychological Bulletin |language=en |volume=104 |issue=2 |pages=226–235 |doi=10.1037/0033-2909.104.2.226 |issn=1939-1455|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Bradbury-2019">{{Cite book |last1=Bradbury |first1=Thomas N. |url= |title=Intimate Relationships |last2=Karney |first2=Benjamin R. |date=2019-07-01 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |isbn=978-0-393-64025-0 |edition=3rd |language=English}}</ref> An individual's perception of their own attractiveness may therefore influence who they see as a realistic partner.<ref name="Bradbury-2019" />

Beyond physical appearance, people report desirable qualities they look for in a partner such as trustworthiness, warmth, and loyalty.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Campbell |first1=Lorne |last2=Fletcher |first2=Garth JO |date=2015 |title=Romantic relationships, ideal standards, and mate selection |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X15000548 |journal=Current Opinion in Psychology |series=Relationship science |volume=1 |pages=97–100 |doi=10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.01.007 |issn=2352-250X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> However, these romantic ideals are not necessarily good predictors of actual attraction or relationship success. Research has found little evidence for the success of matching potential partners based on personality traits, suggesting that romantic chemistry involves more than compatibility of traits.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eastwick |first1=Paul W |last2=Joel |first2=Samantha |last3=Carswell |first3=Kathleen L |last4=Molden |first4=Daniel C |last5=Finkel |first5=Eli J |last6=Blozis |first6=Shelley A |date=2023 |title=Predicting romantic interest during early relationship development: A preregistered investigation using machine learning |journal=European Journal of Personality |language=en |volume=37 |issue=3 |pages=276–312 |doi=10.1177/08902070221085877 |s2cid=241096185 |issn=0890-2070|doi-access=free }}</ref> Rather, repeated positive interactions between people and reciprocity of romantic interest seem to be key components in attraction and relationship formation. [[Reciprocal liking]] is most meaningful when it is displayed by someone who is selective about who they show liking to.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eastwick |first1=Paul W. |last2=Finkel |first2=Eli J. |last3=Mochon |first3=Daniel |last4=Ariely |first4=Dan |date=2007 |title=Selective Versus Unselective Romantic Desire: Not All Reciprocity Is Created Equal |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01897.x |journal=Psychological Science |language=en |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=317–319 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01897.x |pmid=17470256 |s2cid=2843605 |issn=0956-7976|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Initiation strategies ====
When potential intimate partners are getting to know each other, they employ a variety of strategies to increase closeness and gain information about whether the other person is a desirable partner. [[Self-disclosure]], the process of revealing information about oneself, is a crucial aspect of building intimacy between people.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Collins |first1=Nancy L. |last2=Miller |first2=Lynn Carol |date=1994 |title=Self-disclosure and liking: A meta-analytic review. |url=http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/0033-2909.116.3.457 |journal=Psychological Bulletin |language=en |volume=116 |issue=3 |pages=457–475 |doi=10.1037/0033-2909.116.3.457 |pmid=7809308 |s2cid=13919881 |issn=1939-1455|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Feelings of intimacy increase when a conversation partner is perceived as responsive and reciprocates self-disclosure, and people tend to like others who disclose emotional information to them.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Laurenceau |first1=Jean-Philippe |last2=Barrett |first2=Lisa Feldman |last3=Pietromonaco |first3=Paula R. |date=1998 |title=Intimacy as an interpersonal process: The importance of self-disclosure, partner disclosure, and perceived partner responsiveness in interpersonal exchanges. |url=http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/0022-3514.74.5.1238 |journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology |language=en |volume=74 |issue=5 |pages=1238–1251 |doi=10.1037/0022-3514.74.5.1238 |pmid=9599440 |s2cid=1209571 |issn=0022-3514|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Other strategies used in the relationship formation stage include humor, initiating physical touch, and signaling availability and interest through eye contact, [[Flirting|flirtatious]] body language, or playful interactions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Catherine L. |last2=Shaver |first2=Phillip R. |last3=Abrahams |first3=Matthew F. |date=1999 |title=Strategic Behaviors in Romantic Relationship Initiation |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167299025006006 |journal=Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin |language=en |volume=25 |issue=6 |pages=709–722 |doi=10.1177/0146167299025006006 |s2cid=146305141 |issn=0146-1672|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Moore |first=Monica M. |date=2010-03-24 |title=Human Nonverbal Courtship Behavior—A Brief Historical Review |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224490903402520 |journal=Journal of Sex Research |language=en |volume=47 |issue=2–3 |pages=171–180 |doi=10.1080/00224490903402520 |pmid=20358459 |s2cid=15115115 |issn=0022-4499|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Engaging in [[dating]], [[courtship]], or [[hookup culture]] as part of the relationship formation period allows individuals to explore different interpersonal connections before further investing in an intimate relationship.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Skipper |first1=James K. |last2=Nass |first2=Gilbert |date=1966 |title=Dating Behavior: A Framework for Analysis and an Illustration |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/349537 |journal=Journal of Marriage and Family |volume=28 |issue=4 |pages=412–420 |doi=10.2307/349537 |jstor=349537 |issn=0022-2445|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Context ====
[[File:How_heterosexual_couples_have_met,_data_from_2009_and_2017.png|thumb|388x388px|The internet has become a popular avenue for meeting an intimate partner.]]
Context, timing, and external circumstances influence attraction and whether an individual is receptive to beginning an intimate relationship. Individuals vary across the lifespan in feeling ready for a relationship, and other external pressures including family expectations, peers being in committed relationships, and cultural [[Norms (sociology)|norms]] influence when people decide to pursue an intimate relationship.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Agnew |first1=Christopher R. |title=Relationship Receptivity Theory: Timing and Interdependent Relationships |date=2020 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/interdependence-interaction-and-close-relationships/relationship-receptivity-theory/049BF596EEAE72A0E53640AC4637F3D5 |work=Interdependence, Interaction, and Close Relationships |pages=269–292 |editor-last=Agnew |editor-first=Christopher R. |access-date=2023-11-08 |series=Advances in Personal Relationships |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/9781108645836.014 |isbn=978-1-108-48096-3 |last2=Hadden |first2=Benjamin W. |last3=Tan |first3=Kenneth |s2cid=225698943 |editor2-last=Machia |editor2-first=Laura V. |editor3-last=Arriaga |editor3-first=Ximena B.|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Being in close physical proximity is a powerful facilitator for formation of relationships because it allows people to get to know each other through repeated interactions. Intimate partners commonly meet at college or school, as coworkers, as neighbors, at bars, or through religious community.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Sprecher |first1=Susan |title=Relationship initiation and development. |date=2015 |url=https://doi.org/10.1037/14344-008 |work=APA handbook of personality and social psychology, Volume 3: Interpersonal relations. |pages=211–245 |access-date=2023-11-17 |place=Washington |publisher=American Psychological Association |language=en |doi=10.1037/14344-008 |last2=Felmlee |first2=Diane |last3=Metts |first3=Sandra |last4=Cupach |first4=William|isbn=978-1-4338-1703-8 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> [[Speed dating]], [[Matchmaking|matchmakers]], and [[Online dating|online dating services]] are more structured formats used to begin relationships. The internet in particular has significantly changed how intimate relationships begin as it allows people to access potential partners beyond their immediate proximity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Michael J. |last2=Thomas |first2=Reuben J. |date=2012 |title=Searching for a Mate: The Rise of the Internet as a Social Intermediary |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0003122412448050 |journal=American Sociological Review |language=en |volume=77 |issue=4 |pages=523–547 |doi=10.1177/0003122412448050 |s2cid=145539089 |issn=0003-1224|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wu |first1=Shangwei |last2=Trottier |first2=Daniel |date=2022-04-03 |title=Dating apps: a literature review |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23808985.2022.2069046 |journal=Annals of the International Communication Association |language=en |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=91–115 |doi=10.1080/23808985.2022.2069046 |s2cid=248618275 |issn=2380-8985}}</ref> In 2023, [[Pew Research Center]] found that 53% of people under 30 have used online dating, and one in ten adults in a committed relationship met their partner online.<ref name="Vogels">{{Cite web |last1=Vogels |first1=Emily A. |last2=McClain |first2=Colleen |title=Key findings about online dating in the U.S. |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Pew Research Center |date=2 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> However, there remains skepticism about the effectiveness and safety of dating apps due to their potential to facilitate [[dating violence]].<ref name="Vogels" />

=== Maintenance ===
Once an intimate relationship has been initiated, the relationship changes and develops over time, and the members may engage in commitment agreements and maintenance behaviors. In an ongoing relationship, couples must navigate protecting their own self-interest alongside the interest of maintaining the relationship.<ref name="Rusbult-2001">{{Cite book |last1=Rusbult |first1=Caryl E. |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8it5AgAAQBAJ&dq=intimate+relationship+maintenance&pg=PA87 |title=Close Romantic Relationships: Maintenance and Enhancement |last2=Olsen |first2=Nils |last3=Davis |first3=Jody L. |last4=Harmon |first4=Peggy A. |date=2001 |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-1-135-65942-4 |editor-last=Harvey |editor-first=John H. |language=en |chapter=Commitment and Relationship Maintenance Mechanisms |editor-last2=Wenzel |editor-first2=Amy}}</ref> This necessitates [[compromise]], sacrifice, and communication.<ref>Agnew, C. R., & VanderDrift, L. E. (2015). Relationship maintenance and dissolution. In M. Mikulincer, P. R. Shaver, J. A. Simpson, & [[J. F. Dovidio]] (Eds.), ''APA handbook of personality and social psychology, Vol. 3. Interpersonal relations'' (pp. 581–604). American Psychological Association. [https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-35884-021 https://doi.org/10.1037/14344-021]</ref> In general, feelings of intimacy and commitment increase as a relationship progresses, while [[Passion (emotion)|passion]] plateaus following the excitement of the early stages of the relationship.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=García |first=C.Y. |date=1998 |title=Temporal course of the basic components of love throughout relationships |url=https://www.psychologyinspain.com/content/reprints/1998/9.pdf |journal=Psychology in Spain |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=76–86}}</ref>

Engaging in ongoing positive shared communication and activities is important for strengthening the relationship and increasing commitment and liking between partners. These maintenance behaviors can include providing assurances about commitment to the relationship, engaging in shared activities, openly disclosing thoughts and feelings, spending time with mutual friends, and contributing to shared responsibilities.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Stafford |first1=Laura |last2=Canary |first2=Daniel J. |date=1991 |title=Maintenance Strategies and Romantic Relationship Type, Gender and Relational Characteristics |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0265407591082004 |journal=Journal of Social and Personal Relationships |language=en |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=217–242 |doi=10.1177/0265407591082004 |s2cid=145391340 |issn=0265-4075|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ogolsky |first1=Brian G. |last2=Bowers |first2=Jill R. |date=2013 |title=A meta-analytic review of relationship maintenance and its correlates |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0265407512463338 |journal=Journal of Social and Personal Relationships |language=en |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=343–367 |doi=10.1177/0265407512463338 |s2cid=145683192 |issn=0265-4075|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Physical intimacy including sexual behavior also increases feelings of closeness and satisfaction with the relationship.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Birnbaum |first1=Gurit E |last2=Finkel |first2=Eli J |date=2015 |title=The magnetism that holds us together: sexuality and relationship maintenance across relationship development |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352250X14000104 |journal=Current Opinion in Psychology |language=en |volume=1 |pages=29–33 |doi=10.1016/j.copsyc.2014.11.009|url-access=subscription }}</ref> However, [[sexual desire and intimate relationships|sexual desire]] is often greatest early in a relationship, and may wax and wane as the relationship evolves.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Impett |first1=Emily A. |title=Sex as Relationship Maintenance |date=2019 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/relationship-maintenance/sex-as-relationship-maintenance/B18DA8207F0AE4F0F3B0A9B09D0D99F0 |work=Relationship Maintenance: Theory, Process, and Context |pages=215–239 |editor-last=Ogolsky |editor-first=Brian G. |access-date=2023-11-08 |series=Advances in Personal Relationships |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-41985-7 |last2=Muise |first2=Amy |last3=Rosen |first3=Natalie O. |editor2-last=Monk |editor2-first=J. Kale}}</ref> Significant life events such as the birth of a child can drastically change the relationship and necessitate adaptation and new approaches to maintaining intimacy. The transition to parenthood can be a stressful period that is generally associated with a temporary decrease in healthy relationship functioning and a decline in sexual intimacy.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Doss |first1=Brian D |last2=Rhoades |first2=Galena K |date=2017-02-01 |title=The transition to parenthood: impact on couples' romantic relationships |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X16300276 |journal=Current Opinion in Psychology |series=Relationships and stress |volume=13 |pages=25–28 |doi=10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.003 |pmid=28813289 |issn=2352-250X|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Woolhouse |first1=Hannah |last2=McDonald |first2=Ellie |last3=Brown |first3=Stephanie |date=2012-12-01 |title=Women's experiences of sex and intimacy after childbirth: making the adjustment to motherhood |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/0167482X.2012.720314 |journal=Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology |language=en |volume=33 |issue=4 |pages=185–190 |doi=10.3109/0167482X.2012.720314 |pmid=22973871 |s2cid=37025280 |issn=0167-482X|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Commitment ====
[[File:Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_The_Wedding_Register.jpg|thumb|Marriage is a form of relationship maintenance that signals commitment between partners.]]
As a relationship develops, intimate partners often engage in commitment agreements, ceremonies, and behaviors to signal their intention to remain in the relationship.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Stanley |first1=Scott M. |last2=Rhoades |first2=Galena K. |last3=Whitton |first3=Sarah W. |date=2010 |title=Commitment: Functions, Formation, and the Securing of Romantic Attachment |journal=Journal of Family Theory & Review |language=en |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=243–257 |doi=10.1111/j.1756-2589.2010.00060.x |issn= |pmc= 3039217|pmid=21339829}}</ref> This might include moving in together, sharing responsibilities or property, and getting [[Marriage|married]]. These commitment markers increase relationship stability because they create physical, financial, and symbolic barriers and consequences to dissolving the relationship.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rollie |first1=Stephanie S. |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wGZlAgAAQBAJ&dq=marriage+and+relationship+dissolution+barrier&pg=PA223 |title=Handbook of Divorce and Relationship Dissolution |last2=Duck |first2=Steve |date=2013 |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-1-317-82421-3 |editor-last=Fine |editor-first=Mark A. |language=en |chapter=Divorce and Dissolution of Romantic Relationships: Stage Models and Their Limitations |editor-last2=Harvey |editor-first2=John H.}}</ref> In general, increases in relationship satisfaction and investment are associated with increased commitment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rusbult |first=Caryl E |date=1980 |title=Commitment and satisfaction in romantic associations: A test of the investment model |url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0022-1031%2880%2990007-4 |journal=Journal of Experimental Social Psychology |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=172–186 |doi=10.1016/0022-1031(80)90007-4 |s2cid=21707015 |issn=0022-1031|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Evaluating the relationship ====
Individuals in intimate relationships evaluate the relative personal benefits and costs of being in the relationship, and this contributes to the decision to stay or leave. The [[investment model of commitment]] is a theoretical framework that suggests that an evaluation of relationship satisfaction, relationship investment, and the quality of alternatives to the relationship impact whether an individual remains in a relationship.<ref name="Rusbult-2001" />

Because relationships are rewarding and evolutionarily necessary, and rejection is a stressful process, people are generally biased toward making decisions that uphold and further facilitate intimate relationships.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Joel |first1=Samantha |last2=MacDonald |first2=Geoff |date=2021 |title=We're Not That Choosy: Emerging Evidence of a Progression Bias in Romantic Relationships |journal=Personality and Social Psychology Review |language=en |volume=25 |issue=4 |pages=317–343 |doi=10.1177/10888683211025860 |issn=1088-8683 |pmc=8597186 |pmid=34247524}}</ref> These biases can lead to distortions in the evaluation of a relationship. For instance, people in committed relationships tend to dismiss and derogate attractive alternative partners, thereby validating the decision to remain with their more attractive partner.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ritter |first1=Simone M. |last2=Karremans |first2=Johan C. |last3=van Schie |first3=Hein T. |date=2010-07-01 |title=The role of self-regulation in derogating attractive alternatives |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103110000375 |journal=Journal of Experimental Social Psychology |volume=46 |issue=4 |pages=631–637 |doi=10.1016/j.jesp.2010.02.010 |issn=0022-1031|hdl=2066/90614 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

=== Dissolution ===
The decision to leave a relationship often involves an evaluation of levels of satisfaction and commitment in the relationship.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Joel |first1=Samantha |last2=MacDonald |first2=Geoff |last3=Page-Gould |first3=Elizabeth |date=2018 |title=Wanting to Stay and Wanting to Go: Unpacking the Content and Structure of Relationship Stay/Leave Decision Processes |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948550617722834 |journal=Social Psychological and Personality Science |language=en |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=631–644 |doi=10.1177/1948550617722834 |s2cid=148797874 |issn=1948-5506|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Relationship factors such as increased commitment and feelings of love are associated with lower chances of breakup, whereas feeling ambivalent about the relationship and perceiving many alternatives to the current relationship are associated with increased chances of dissolution.<ref name="Le-2010">{{Cite journal |last1=Le |first1=Benjamin |last2=Dove |first2=Natalie L. |last3=Agnew |first3=Christopher R. |last4=Korn |first4=Miriam S. |last5=Mutso |first5=Amelia A. |date=2010 |title=Predicting nonmarital romantic relationship dissolution: A meta-analytic synthesis |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01285.x |journal=Personal Relationships |language=en |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=377–390 |doi=10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01285.x|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Predictors of dissolution ====
Specific individual characteristics and traits put people at greater risk for experiencing relationship dissolution. Individuals high in [[neuroticism]] (the tendency to experience negative emotions) are more prone to relationship dissolution,<ref name="Vangelisti-2013">{{Cite book |last=Vangelisti |first=Anita L. |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SzMlUeTxUPQC&dq=intimate+relationship+dissolution&pg=RA7-PT31 |title=Close Relationships: Functions, Forms and Processes |date=2013 |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-1-134-95333-2 |editor-last=Noeller |editor-first=Patricia |language=en |chapter=Relationship Dissolution: Antecedents, Processes, and Consequences |editor-last2=Feeney |editor-first2=Judith A.}}</ref> and research also shows small effects of attachment avoidance and anxiety in predicting breakup.<ref name="Le-2010" /> Being married at a younger age, having lower income, lower educational attainment, and [[Cohabitation|cohabiting]] before marriage are also associated with risk of divorce and relationship dissolution. These characteristics are not necessarily the inherent causes of dissolution. Rather, they are traits that impact the resources that individuals are able to draw upon to work on their relationships as well as reflections of social and cultural attitudes toward relationship institutions and divorce.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rodrigues |first1=A.E. |url=https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-08138-005 |title=Handbook of divorce and relationship dissolution |last2=Hall |first2=J.G. |last3=Fincham |first3=F.D. |publisher=Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers |year=2006 |editor-last=Fine |editor-first=M.A. |pages=85–112 |language=en |chapter=What Predicts Divorce and Relationship Dissolution? |editor-last2=Harvey |editor-first2=J.H.}}</ref>

==== Strategies and consequences ====
Common strategies for ending a relationship include justifying the decision, apologizing, avoiding contact ([[Ghosting (behavior)|ghosting]]), or suggesting a "break" period before revisiting the decision.<ref name="Vangelisti-2013" /> The dissolution of an intimate relationship is a stressful event that can have a negative impact on well-being, and the rejection can elicit strong feelings of [[embarrassment]], [[sadness]], and [[anger]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Berscheid |first1=Ellen |title=A Little Bit about Love |date=1974 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-362950-0.50021-5 |work=Foundations of Interpersonal Attraction |pages=355–381 |access-date=2023-11-18 |publisher=Elsevier |last2=Hatfield |first2=Elaine|doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-362950-0.50021-5 |isbn=978-0-12-362950-0 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>  Following a relationship breakup, individuals are at risk for anxiety, depressive symptoms, problematic substance use, and low [[self-esteem]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Whisman |first1=Mark A. |last2=Salinger |first2=Julia M. |last3=Sbarra |first3=David A. |date=2022-02-01 |title=Relationship dissolution and psychopathology |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X21001159 |journal=Current Opinion in Psychology |volume=43 |pages=199–204 |doi=10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.016 |pmid=34416683 |issn=2352-250X|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kansky |first1=Jessica |last2=Allen |first2=Joseph P. |date=2018 |title=Making Sense and Moving On: The Potential for Individual and Interpersonal Growth Following Emerging Adult Breakups |journal=Emerging Adulthood |language=en |volume=6 |issue=3 |pages=172–190 |doi=10.1177/2167696817711766 |issn=2167-6968 |pmc=6051550 |pmid=30034952}}</ref> However, the period following a break-up can also promote personal growth, particularly if the previous relationship was not fulfilling.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lewandowski |first1=Gary W. |last2=Bizzoco |first2=Nicole M. |date=2007 |title=Addition through subtraction: Growth following the dissolution of a low quality relationship |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760601069234 |journal=The Journal of Positive Psychology |language=en |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=40–54 |doi=10.1080/17439760601069234 |s2cid=145109937 |issn=1743-9760|url-access=subscription }}</ref>