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On-again/off-again dating relationships: what keeps partners coming back?
René M Dailey1, Borae Jin, Abigail Pfiester
1University of Texas at Austin, Department of Communication Studies, 1 University Station A1105, Austin, TX 78712-0115, USA. rdailey@mail.utexas.edu
The Journal of Social Psychology
|July 16, 2011
Summary
On-again/off-again relationship renewals are often driven by lingering feelings and uncertainty after breakups. Not dating others and believing the on-off dynamic improves the relationship also increase renewal chances.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- On-again/off-again relationships are common but complex.
- Previous research has compared these relationships to stable ones.
- The unique aspect of relationship renewals warrants specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictors of relationship renewals in on-again/off-again dynamics.
- To understand the reasons, breakup/renewal characteristics, stressors, and benefits associated with relationship renewals.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 274 participants with experience in on-again/off-again relationships.
- Data collected included reasons for renewal, breakup and renewal characteristics, and experienced stressors and benefits.
- Statistical analyses were performed to predict renewal occurrence.
Main Results:
- Lingering feelings were a primary reason for relationship renewals.
- Uncertainty about breakup implications, lack of dating others post-breakup, and perceived relationship improvement from the on-off nature predicted increased renewals.
- Mutual breakup initiation and relationship uncertainty predicted decreased renewals.
Conclusions:
- Relationship renewals in on-again/off-again dynamics are influenced by emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors.
- Understanding these predictors can offer insights into relationship maintenance and dissolution patterns.
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