The Impact of Loss of Self after a Romantic Breakup on Trust Issues in Future Relationships

Description

Persis Priyanka Chittiprolu and Sharon Shulamite (Amity Institute of Behavioral and Allied Sciences, Amity University Mumbai, Maharashtra)

Interpersonal relationships play a significant role in shaping an individual’s psychological well-being and sense of identity. The present study investigates the relationship between loss of self, following a romantic breakup and trust issues in subsequent romantic relationships among young adults. The development and maintenance of close relationships often involve emotional investment and self-integration, which can influence how individuals perceive themselves and maintain trust in future relationships. A quantitative research cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 248 participants (N=248, M=122, F=126) aged 18 to 29 years. Statistical analyses of the data were collected from the Loss of Self Scale (Lewandowski, 2009) and Trust Scale (Rempel, Holmes, & Zanna, 1985) and descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and simple and multiple regression analyses, were conducted. The findings revealed a significant but weak negative relationship (r = −0.145, p = .022), between loss of self and trust issues, indicating that higher levels of loss of self were associated with slightly lower levels of trust in future relationships. Regression analysis further showed that loss of self significantly predicted trust issues; (R² = .021, p = .022). Additionally, none of the individual dimensions of trust: predictability (β = .005, p = .948), dependability (β = −.100, p = .207), and faith (β = −.080, p = .298), demonstrated a significant association with loss of self. The study shows insights in fostering healthier relationship boundaries, rebuilding self-identity, and developing trust in future interpersonal relationships through psychological interventions and emotional regulation strategies.