A Phenomenological Analysis of Women's Experience of the Physiological Sensations Related to Heartbreak
A Phenomenological Analysis of Women's Experience of the Physiological Sensations Related to Heartbreak
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Issue Date
2006
Authors
Boccanfuso, Victoria E.
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Abstract
This research is concerned with the nature and quality of physiological sensations for women who have experienced the difficult dissolution of a romantic relationship. Four women who had experienced the break up of their relationship within the last 6 months to 2 years were chosen for interviews and data was analyzed using the method of Phenomenology. Women were Caucasian and Hispanic living in Northern and Southern California. All participants experienced significant physiological sensations in relation to their heartbreak, with each woman agreeing to the experience of loss of appetite and most women agreeing to feelings of anxiety, rage, and muscle tension, and reported that these sensations were unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Psychological aspects of the experience, such as pride and self-pity, are also identified. While many similarities in the experience of physiological sensations were found, the individual, lived experience of heartbreak was unique for each woman. Findings suggest that a strong support network is valuable for women to cope with and overcome heartbreak and an understanding and validation of the heartbreak experience will help care providers be more able to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere for women seeking therapy.