文摘
Creating and maintaining intimate relationships is a critical task of young adulthood, yet is also a source of tension and distress (Erikson, 1950). For college students, a multitude of external factors impact the ability to sustain romantic connections, including relationships with family and friends, sexual identity, and even the use of technology and social media (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds, & Delgado, 2011; Morgan, 2012; Weisskirch, 2012). Dissolution of these intimate relationships can cause significant psychological distress, including symptoms of depression and decline in academic functioning (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds, & Delgado, 2009; Kamp Dush, Atkins, Stanley, & Markman, 2011). Despite these negative reactions and a high number of students seeking help for relationship issues, there are no specific interventions designed to treat college students dealing with a breakup. This dissertation attempts to fill that gap by exploring relevant literature on college student relationships and grief and narrative therapy techniques. Then, a treatment intervention is proposed for use with college students seeking therapy after the breakup of a romantic relationship.