Intrusive thoughts, avoiding intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal predict romantic breakup distress
Intrusive thoughts, avoiding intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal predict romantic breakup distress

Summary/Abstract: Romantic breakup distress is prevalent and can have severe psychological and physiological effects including symptoms that mimic a heart attack. This Survey Monkey study assessed predictors of Breakup Distress Scale scores including scores on The Impact of Events Scale, The Trauma Symptoms Checklist-38, and The Missing the Partner Scale. A stepwise regression analysis suggested that the scores on The Impact of Events Scale (intrusive thoughts, avoidance of intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal) explained 59% of the variance in scores on the Breakup Distress Scale. The Trauma Symptoms Checklist-38 scores contributed to another 7% of the variance, and the Missing the Partner Scale scores added another 3% for a total of 69% of the variance. These data suggest that a brief survey including these scales could be used to identify those who might need intervention for romantic breakup distress.

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