When love ends: individual characteristics associated with breakups

The current study aimed to identify demographic, personality, and substance use characteristics associated with romantic relationship breakups among students. Data was gathered from a survey conducted among students in the Bergen municipality, Norway, during autumn 2015 (T1) and from a follow-up wave conducted one year later (T2). The current total sample consisted of the 2,191 students (age 35 and younger) who reported to be in a relationship (but not married) at T1 and who participated in both waves. Data was analysed using binary logistic regressions. For comparison reasons, three analyses were conducted, two for each gender separately, and one including interaction effects between genders. While age was identified as an inverse predictor of breakups for men, and agreeableness was identified as an inverse predictor of breakups for women, low statistical power, and a lack of gender interaction effects, imply that findings should be interpreted with caution. Future research should ensure a higher statistical power by considering employing a larger sample size, as well as including predictors residing outside the individual, such as partner compatibility, environment, and life circumstances.