Defining Romantic Self-Sabotage: A Thematic Analysis of Interviews With Practising Psychologists. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peel, Raquel; Caltabiano, Nerina; Buckby, Beryl; McBain, Kerry
• Is Part Of: Journal of relationships research. Volume 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: self-sabotage, -- self-handicapping, -- romantic relationships, -- thematic analysis; Families -- Periodicals; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; Organizational behavior -- Periodicals; 158.2
• DOI: 10.1017/jrr.2019.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1838-0956

Abstract

Abstract: The term 'self-sabotage' is not well defined in the current literature. Self-sabotage is generally explained as a synonym of self-handicapping, which does not fully encompass intrinsic behaviours found in romantic relationships. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the theme of self-sabotage as viewed by practising psychologists. A series of 15 semistructured interviews with psychologists specialising in romantic relationships around Australia identified the main issues contributing to self-sabotage in romantic relationships and the reason why it might happen. Future studies will need to be conducted to develop a scale to empirically test self-sabotage in romantic relationships.