Why Do we Sabotage Love? A Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences of Relationship Breakdown and Maintenance

doi:10.1080/15332691.2020.1795039

Paper

Why Do we Sabotage Love? A Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences of Relationship Breakdown and Maintenance

Published Jul 21, 2020 · Raquel Peel, N. Caltabiano

Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy

Q2 SJR score

10

Citations

1

Influential Citations

Full text

Semantic Scholar

Abstract

Abstract Although many individuals are searching for love, failure can often be the expected outcome. A previous study investigated self-sabotage in romantic relationships and explored how psychologists in practice understand this phenomenon. A repertoire of self-sabotaging behaviors was identified by practitioners, with possible reasons as to why this occurs. The present study was the first to empirically explore self-sabotage in romantic relationships by gathering qualitative evidence from a diverse sample of 696 individuals. Participants’ lived experiences detailed motivations and strategies to self-sabotage romantic engagements. However, participants’ experiences have also helped inform essential steps toward breaking the cycle of self-sabotage.

Observational Study

Study Snapshot

Key takeawaySelf-sabotage in romantic relationships is often motivated by personal issues, but understanding these motivations can help break the cycle and improve relationship outcomes.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Paper

Why Do we Sabotage Love? A Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences of Relationship Breakdown and Maintenance

References

The Association Between Mating Performance, Marital Status, and the Length of Singlehood: Evidence From Greece and China

Low mating performance is associated with increased singlehood and difficulties in attracting a partner in both Greece and China.

Defining Romantic Self-Sabotage: A Thematic Analysis of Interviews With Practising Psychologists

Romantic self-sabotage is influenced by various factors, including self-handicapping, and is often a result of underlying issues in the relationship.

Thematic Analysis

This paper provides guidance for conducting a rigorous and trustworthily thematic analysis, enhancing the traceability and verification of qualitative research.

Emotion-focused couples therapy

Emotion-focused therapy for couples (EFT-C) is an empirically validated approach that views affect as the central force organizing couple's interactions through attachment, identity/validation, and attraction/liking systems.

‘I Think, You Think’: Understanding the Importance of Self-Reflection to the Taking of Another Person's Perspective

Self-reflection is crucial for understanding oneself and others, with potential implications for developing more effective interventions to improve empathy.

Self-Efficacy in Romantic Relationships: Prediction of Relationship Attitudes and Outcomes

The SERR is a valid and reliable measure of self-efficacy in romantic relationships, predicting relationship anxiety, expectations, satisfaction, and commitment.

Opening the circle of pursuit and distance.

Pursuit and distance in couples can be a cycle of stages, with each partner's behavior triggering the other's, and understanding these stages can help couples work through their alienated states and become more intimate.

Citations

Exploring the Factors Behind Romantic Relationship Conflicts Among University Students: A Case of Mukuba University

Romantic relationship conflicts among university students are influenced by communication issues, insecurity, time management, intimacy, financial issues, and cultural or religious disparities, leading to emotional, relational, academic, and social impacts.

Turkish Adaptation of the Relationship Sabotage Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study

The Turkish adaptation of the Relationship Sabotage Scale (RSS) is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating self-sabotage in romantic relationships among university students.

Turkish Adaptation of Romantic Relationship Sabotage Scale: Validity and Reliability Study

The Turkish version of the Romantic Relationship Sabotage Scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring sabotage levels in romantic relationships.

Multiple Case Study on Family Therapy for Middle School Bullying Victims in South Korea

Family therapy for middle school bullying victims in South Korea can promote cognitive and behavioral changes, improve communication, and help adolescents adjust to school.

The relationship sabotage scale: an evaluation of factor analyses and constructive validity

The Relationship Sabotage Scale (RSS) effectively measures individual patterns in romantic relationships, offering explanations for destructive behaviors and helping to understand relationship dissolution and maintenance.

Sex is Burdensome: Multiple Case Study on Family Therapy for Korean Husbands with Sexual Disorders

Korean husbands with sexual disorders experience sex as pressure due to interactions among psychological, in-law, marital communication, family of origin, and transference factors.