Duelo tras una ruptura sentimental y estrategias de afrontamiento en jóvenes adultos de 25 a 35 años en la ciudad Quito

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the emotional grief process and coping strategies used by young adults aged 25 to 35 following a romantic breakup in the city of Quito. The research employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory and descriptive design, utilizing semi-structured interviews and a sociodemographic questionnaire administered to a sample of 10 participants, equally divided between men and women. The results showed that a romantic breakup has a significant impact on various areas of the participants' lives, manifesting as emotions such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, and emotional emptiness, as well as physical symptoms and behavioral changes. It was identified that the phases of grief do not occur linearly, but rather in a dynamic manner, consistent with the theoretical contributions of the Dual Process of Grief Model and the stages proposed by Kübler-Ross and Kessler. Regarding coping strategies, participants employed both emotion-focused strategies (such as seeking social support, emotional expression, and self-care) and problem-focused strategies (such as reorganizing routines, focusing on work or academic activities, and the digital environment). Furthermore, the social and cultural context influenced how grief was experienced and expressed, revealing a tendency to minimize the emotional suffering associated with romantic breakups. The research concludes that grief following a romantic breakup is a significant psychological process that requires emotional validation and adaptive coping strategies to promote personal reconstruction and psychological well-being