Why do we sabotage love? A thematic analysis of lived experiences of relationship breakdown and maintenance

Article

Peel, Raquel and Caltabiano, Nerina. 2020. "Why do we sabotage love? A thematic analysis of lived experiences of relationship breakdown and maintenance." Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2020.1795039
Article Title

Why do we sabotage love? A thematic analysis of lived experiences of relationship breakdown and maintenance

ERA Journal ID124462
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsPeel, Raquel (Author) and Caltabiano, Nerina (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Couple and Relationship Therapy
Number of Pages33
Year2020
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN1533-2683
1533-2691
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2020.1795039
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15332691.2020.1795039
Abstract

Although many individuals are searching for love, failure can often be the expected outcome. A previous study investigated self-sabotage in romantic relationships and explored how psychologists in practice understand this phenomenon. A repertoire of self-sabotaging behaviors was identified by practitioners, with possible reasons as to why this occurs. The present study was the first to empirically explore self-sabotage in romantic relationships by gathering qualitative evidence from a diverse sample of 696 individuals. Participants’ lived experiences detailed motivations and strategies to self-sabotage romantic engagements. However, participants’ experiences have also helped inform essential steps toward breaking the cycle of self-sabotage.

KeywordsRelationship self-sabotage; relationship breakdown; relationship maintenance; thematic analysis; lived experiences
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified
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Byline AffiliationsJames Cook University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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