Breakup

A relationship breakup, often referred to simply as a breakup, is the termination of an intimate relationship by any means other than death. The act is commonly termed 'dumping ' in slang when it is initiated by one partner. The term is less likely to be applied to a married couple, where a breakup is typically called a separation or divorce. When a couple engaged to be married breaks up, it is typically called a 'broken engagement'. A relationship breakup, often referred to simply as a breakup, is the termination of an intimate relationship by any means other than death. The act is commonly termed 'dumping ' in slang when it is initiated by one partner. The term is less likely to be applied to a married couple, where a breakup is typically called a separation or divorce. When a couple engaged to be married breaks up, it is typically called a 'broken engagement'. Susie Orbach (1992) has argued that the dissolution of dating and cohabiting relationships can be as painful as or more painful than divorce because these nonmarital relationships are less socially recognized. Kamiar-K. Rueckert argues with the works of Donald Winnicott that the ability to be alone is an essentially healthy sign of emotional development and maturity. Once a child has obtained closeness and attachment by his early caregivers, he or she is able to develop autonomy and identity. If children have not introjected the good and protective qualities of their parents, they will fear separation and break-ups. Several psychological models have been proposed to explain the process of a relationship breakup, many suggesting that 'relationship dissolution occurs in stages'. L. Lee proposes that there are five stages ultimately leading up to a breakup. Steve Duck outlines a six-stage cycle of relationship breakup, including Hill, Rubin and Peplau identify 5 factors that predicted breakup before marriage: Gottman and Levenson (1994) outlined the Cascade Model of Relational Dissolution in which four negative nonverbal behaviors lead to the breakdown of a marriage/relationship: In 1976, sociologist Diane Vaughan proposed an 'uncoupling theory,' where there exists a 'turning point' in the dynamics of relationship breakup – 'a precise moment when they 'knew the relationship was over,' when 'everything went dead inside'' – followed by a transition period in which one partner unconsciously knows the relationship is going to end, but holds on to it for an extended period, even for years.