FIXING A BROKEN HEART: A study on the Associations of Gender, Breakup Role and Type of Coping Mechanisms Employed by Selected Third and Fourth Year College Students after a Romantic Breakup

Abstract

One of life’s greatest tragedies is the termination of a romantic relationship yet it can be an avenue for personal growth afterwards. This cross-sectional study embarked on determining whether there is an association among gender, breakup role and the type of coping mechanisms employed after a romantic breakup. The study aimed to identify the most frequently used constructive and destructive breakup coping mechanisms used by the selected third and fourth year college students. This study also determined if a relationship exists between breakup role and the type of coping mechanism utilized after the breakup, and between gender and the type of coping mechanism employed after breakup/ It also examined if there is an association between the number of relationships a person has had and the type of coping mechanism used after the breakup, between the time that has elapsed since the previous relationship and the type of coping mechanism employed, and between the duration of the previous relationship and the type of coping mechanism used after breakup. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling was used to derive the study population. The researcher tested the objectives of the study using the data derived from a total of 94 participants who are third and fourth year college students enrolled for the first semester of the current academic year in the University of the Philippines Manila College of Arts and Sciences by answering a self-made survey questionnaire. Based on the data gathered, 80.9% of the participants (N=94) answered seeking comfort from friends after the breakup, thus making it the most frequently used constructive coping mechanism. Interfering with the ex-partner’s new relationship answered by 30.9% of the total number of participants (N=94) was the most frequently used destructive coping mechanism. Gender, however weakly related, was found to have a significant relationship with the type of coping mechanism used by an individual (t=0.235, N=94, p=0.011). Regardless of the breakup role, individuals would most likely make use of destructive coping mechanisms (t=0.117, N=94, p=0.08). Results also showed that women (N=56) more than men utilize constructive coping mechanisms. It also revealed that the higher the number of previous relationships a person has had, the less is the likelihood that he or she would use a destructive coping mechanism (t=0.13, N=94, p=0.051). Overall, it would seem that regardless of gender and breakup role, individuals would most likely employ both constructive and destructive coping mechanisms. Moreover, as the number of previous relationships increases, the more likely that the individual will not utilize destructive coping mechanisms. This study was limited to 18-23 year-old third and fourth year college students and further studies may include a wider age range so as to incur general results for the whole young adult population. It is also strongly suggested to make use of probability sampling techniques and measures to increase the reliability of generalizing results to the general population. The study was not controlled for gender and thus was dominated by women. Equal distribution of the sexes in future studies therefore is highly recommended to prevent gender bias. This study can be helpful in planning intervention and therapy plans for students who are currently experiencing romantic breakups.