Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Social Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Justin Cavallo

Advisor Role

Primary Thesis Advisor

Abstract

Romantic relationship dissolution can be deeply destabilizing. Existing research has documented the emotional and psychological consequences of breakups but has rarely examined how these experiences shape subsequent relationship functioning. While breakups often trigger self-protective responses that can inhibit future relationship formation, individuals may also derive valuable relational insights from these experiences. The present research examined whether perceiving past romantic relationships as valuable sources of relational knowledge (epistemically valuable) enhances confidence in future romantic pursuits. I propose that perceiving past relationships as high (vs. low) in epistemic value encourages confidence in future romantic pursuits. I tested this hypothesis in three experimental studies by manipulating participants' perceptions of the epistemic value of a past relationship and examining their feelings of relationship self-efficacy, optimism, and fear of intimacy. In two studies, the manipulation involved reflecting on one's past relationship, while in another study, it involved reading third-party reflections. The results across all three studies (N = 1046) provided support for this hypothesis, with the epistemic value manipulation enhancing confidence in future relationships. Importantly, these effects remained consistent regardless of whether participants viewed their past relationship or former partner positively or negatively. However, the strength of support varied across studies, with Studies 1 and 3 yielding more robust effects than Study 2. These findings suggest that epistemic value represents one mechanism through which individuals may restore confidence following a breakup, offering an alternative to purely self-protective approaches to breakup adjustment.

Convocation Year

2025

Convocation Season

Fall

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