New Study Reveals Common Strategies for Ending Romantic Relationships

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Personality and Individual Differences* on June 26, 2025, researchers have identified three predominant strategies that individuals use to end romantic relationships. The study, led by Menelaos Apostolou, a professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Nicosia, sought to understand not only the various methods people employ when breaking up but also the psychological traits that influence these choices.

The research involved two studies with a total of 620 Greek-speaking participants, who were asked to reflect on their own experiences or hypothetical scenarios of ending relationships. From their responses, the researchers categorized 45 distinct breakup methods into nine broader strategies, ultimately identifying three overarching approaches: "soften the blow," "take a break," and "avoid confrontation."

The most prevalent strategy, "soften the blow," was employed by approximately 86% of participants. This method emphasizes clear communication, where individuals explain their reasons for the breakup, sometimes accepting responsibility, and aim to minimize emotional distress for both parties. This aligns with findings from Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist at Stanford University, who notes that face-to-face communication during breakups tends to lead to better emotional outcomes for both individuals involved (Johnson, 2023).

The second strategy, "take a break," was utilized by about 24% of participants, suggesting a temporary separation to reassess feelings. This pragmatic approach allows individuals to reflect on their relationship without permanent commitment. In contrast, the least common method, "avoid confrontation," used by roughly 16% of participants, involves gradually distancing oneself or disappearing without explanation, often referred to as "ghosting."

Apostolou's study also examined the influence of personality traits on these strategies. Participants completed assessments based on the Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—alongside measures of the Dark Triad traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. Interestingly, the findings indicated that personality traits had minimal impact on the strategies chosen for breakups. For instance, individuals scoring higher in agreeableness were less likely to adopt the "cold and distant" approach, while those with higher Machiavellian tendencies were more inclined to do so (Kagialis & Apostolou, 2025).

The implications of these findings extend beyond mere relationship dynamics. The study highlights the importance of understanding social norms and evolutionary psychology in human interactions. As noted by Dr. Emily Carter, a sociologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, "the manner in which we end relationships can influence our social reputation and future partner prospects, reflecting our adaptive strategies in navigating social bonds" (Carter, 2025).

While the study provides valuable insights, it does have limitations. The homogeneity of the sample, consisting solely of Greek-speaking individuals, raises questions about the generalizability of the results to other cultural contexts. Furthermore, the reliance on self-reported data could lead to biases, as participants may not accurately represent their behaviors during actual breakups.

Future research could explore the efficacy of these strategies in practice and whether certain methods yield more favorable outcomes for both partners involved. Investigating additional factors, such as cultural variances and attachment styles, might also illuminate the complexities surrounding relationship terminations. Understanding these dynamics could aid therapists and counselors in guiding clients through the often painful process of breakups, particularly when children are involved or when ongoing interaction is necessary.

In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of communication and emotional consideration in ending romantic relationships. By identifying common strategies, researchers pave the way for further exploration into the psychological underpinnings of human relationships, ultimately aiming to improve interpersonal interactions and emotional well-being in the realm of love and partnership.