Factors associated with breakup distress following a romantic relationship dissolution among emerging adult students

Romantic relationship dissolutions (RRDs) frequently occur among emerging adult students and can lead to significant distress. Little information is available regarding the factors associated with increased breakup distress among emerging adult students in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to fill this gap in evidence. A purposive sample of emerging adult students (n = 886, female = 70.1%, black = 14.3%, mean age = 20.52 years, SD = 1.86 years) completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC), the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (ACE), and the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS). Pearson’s correlations and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to determine sociodemographic and life experience factors associated with BDS scores. Female sex, not being religious, being Catholic, identifying with a minority sexual orientation, and increased childhood adversity and lifetime trauma exposure were significantly associated with increased BDS scores. Current relationship status was not associated with BDS scores. Sociodemographic factors and adverse life events are important aspects to consider in the assessment of breakup distress. Student counselling services should provide targeted interventions among at-risk students following an RRD.