Navigating Casual Relationship Breakups - The Role of Attachment Orientation and Expectations on Coping Strategies and Distress

Abstract

Relationship breakups can trigger significant emotional and physical distress (Davis et al., 2003), including anxiety, loneliness, depression, and anger. Individuals’ responses to breakup stress are shaped by their attachment orientation and the coping strategies they employ (e.g., acceptance vs. denial) (Gehl et al., 2024). While breakup research has traditionally focused on committed relationships, recent trends show a shift toward casual, less restrictive relationships (e.g., Friends with Benefits, Dating and Situationships) (Shulman & Conolly, 2013). In Study One (N = 288), I investigated the association between attachment orientation and relationship expectations on one’s post breakup coping strategies and distress among undergraduates following a casual relationship breakup. As predicted, attachment orientation and expectations for the long-term future of the relationship were found to be a significant predictors of breakup distress. Additional findings offered partial support for the mediating role of coping strategies on the relationship between attachment orientation and distress. In Study Two (N = 818), I explored peer support following a casual breakup. Results partially supported the hypothesis that emotional expectations, initial reactions, recommended support strategies, the timeline of support and attitudes towards casual relationships differ when comparing casual and committed relationship breakups. These findings highlight the need to better understand emotional and social processes surrounding casual relationship dissolutions. Future research should explore these dynamics longitudinally, over the duration of a casual relationship development and dissolution.