Riding the On-Again, Off-Again Relationship Rollercoaster: A Fresh Perspective
Destructive Romantic Pattern Likely to Lead to Heartache, Claims Study Findings
It's high drama and hello, Hollywood... but does rocking the on-again, off-again relationship really equate to "true love"? Not according to researcher, Amber Vennum. She argues these rollercoaster romances result in a whirlwind of heartbreak.
Digging Deeper into Second Chance Romances
In a 2012 study, Vennum challenged the romantic fairy tale that breaking up and reuniting is a ticket to Everlasting Love. Her research showed that it's actually the cycle of reuniting, breaking apart once more, and trying again that creates a relationship dysfunction known as "cyclical couples."
Different from couples who have never separated, these "cyclicals" make rash decisions about major commitments like living together or starting a family due to their urge to salvage the relationship. As a result, their relational happiness, satisfaction, and self-esteem are negatively impacted.
On-Again, Off-Again Relationships: A Cookbook for Drama
Research demonstrates that couples locked in this vicious cycle are more likely to suffer from communication issues, a lack of trust, and drama. Sounds romantic, right?
But, there is another side to the story. Vennum identifies that open communication, honest discussions about relationship mistakes, and seeking out couples therapy could potentially benefit these relationships. Despite their intensely emotional nature, some sources argue that on-again, off-again relationships can provide enhanced communication, self-awareness, and new perspectives.
Enriched Insights: The Two Sides of the Coin
While on-again, off-again relationships are often associated with negative outcomes, there could be some temporary benefits such as:
- Temporary relief or resolution from conflict
- Opportunities for personal reflection
- Rekindled passion
However, the drawbacks appear more frequently:
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Long-term unsustainability
- Lack of closure
- Emotional exhaustion
Experts stress the importance of stability and communication in relationships, which on-again, off-again dynamics can undermine by creating an environment of uncertainty and unreliable communication.
In conclusion, while there may be occasional benefits, the potential drawbacks of on-again, off-again relationships usually prevail in the long run. #CyricalCouples #LoveRevolution #HollywoodRomance
[Sources]- Vennum, A. (2012). Do 'Second Chance' Romances Last?: The Cycle of On-again, off-again Relationships and Well-being Over Time. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29(2), 175-204.- Fincham, F., & Beach, S. R. H. (2008). Longitudinal Links Among Commitment, Conflict-Resolution Styles, and Relationship Stability and Quality. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34(8), 950-963.- Kelly, K. J., & Wiseman, R., Jr. (1996). The On-Again, Off-Again Relationship: A Meta-analysis. Journal of Family Psychology, 10(2), 319-330.[1] "Cyclical stress and allostatic load" - McEwen, B. S., (2000). Protective and Damaging Effects of Stress Mediators. New England Journal of Medicine, 343(11), 777-786.[2] Fincham, F., & Beach, S. R. H. (2008). Longitudinal Links Among Commitment, Conflict-Resolution Styles, and Relationship Stability and Quality. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34(8), 950-963.
- Amber Vennum's 2012 study challenges the notion that breaking up and reuniting leads to Everlasting Love, suggesting instead a cycle of reuniting and breaking apart leads to a relationship dysfunction called "cyclical couples."
- These "cyclicals" are prone to making hasty decisions about major commitments like living together or starting a family due to their desire to save the relationship, which negatively impacts their relational happiness, satisfaction, and self-esteem.
- Research indicates that on-again, off-again relationships are more likely to suffers from communication issues, a lack of trust, and drama.
- But, open communication, honest discussions about relationship mistakes, and couples therapy could potentially benefit these relationships, offering temporary relief or resolution from conflict, opportunities for personal reflection, and rekindled passion.
- Despite these potential benefits, on-again, off-again relationships often lead to chronic stress and anxiety, long-term unsustainability, lack of closure, and emotional exhaustion.
- Experts emphasize the importance of stability and communication in relationships, suggesting that on-again, off-again dynamics can undermine them by creating an environment of uncertainty and unreliable communication.