Narrative research of experiences and adjustment to long-term romantic relationship dissolution

• Main Authors: Chia-jung Chang, 張嘉容
• Other Authors: Dr. Ming-Chiou Liou
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/96146693351376023397

碩士 === 國立臺南大學 === 諮商與輔導學系碩士班 === 100 === The study examined experiences and adjustment to long-term romantic relationship dissolution. In-depth interviews were conducted with 3 participants. The narrative analysis techniques used were “Holistic-Content” and “Holistic-Form.” Results were as follows: 1. Experiences of long-term romantic relationship dissolution: a. Relationship satisfaction was the key element of participants’ decision to leave or to stay in a relationship. b. After having intention of breaking up, participants made assessment first rather than ending their relationships immediately. c. Throughout their decision-making process, all participants had experienced an inner journey of repeated assessment process. d. High investment, strong ties, and highly overlapping social network in participants’ long-term romantic relationship made greater sense of lost after relationship dissolution. 2. Adjustment to long-term romantic relationship dissolution: a. Participants had better adjustment to breakups by shifting focus of their life. b. Participant’s reconstruction of relationship and experiences helped participants to accept their breakups. c. Participants made positive interpretation of breakup experiences through embracing their growth and changes. 3. Features of adjustment to long-term romantic relationship dissolution: a. All participants had had struggles in their decision-making process. b. Participants had swung between lost and restoration orientation in their adjustment process. c. Participants’ physical and mental states were getting better and better from the most depressed moment of relationship dissolution.Yet the curve plotted in the Holistic- form figure is spiral and linear. d. Participants declared the end of their relationship through ritual behaviors. Finally, suggestions for further studies and specific proposals to counselors and those who ended their long-term relationships were proposed based on results of the study.