Percepción del sentido de vida en procesos de duelo por rupturas amorosas de jóvenes de 20 a 25 años que residen en Quito

Abstract

The present study addresses the perception of meaning in life among young people aged 20 to 25 living in Quito who have grieved for a breakup in the last two years. The research arose from the need to shed light on how this type of loss, which represents a symbolic loss with a high emotional impact, even if it does not entail physical death, generates existential crises at a key stage in the formation of identity, the building of relationships, and the definition of life plans. Using a qualitative approach, with a descriptive scope and narrative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 young people, selected according to specific criteria, seeking to explore in depth their experiences and the processes of redefining grief. This study shows that grief is not limited to a passing episode of sadness, but rather constitutes a complex phenomenon that can significantly affect emotional balance, selfperception, and meaning in life. The participants went through various phases: denial, anger, bargaining, longing, disorganization, acceptance, among others, manifesting reactions such as ego catastrophe, aggression, flight forward, and indifference. In addition, expressions of inhibited and disavowed grief were identified, reflecting a social and cultural context that often tends to minimize this type of loss. Finally, learning and reconstruction processes will be monitored; several were able to reconfigure their grief, redirect their youthful purpose, and strengthen self-understanding, demonstrating that grief, although painful, can become the beginning of growth.