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@article{203545,
        author = {Pranali Rajesh Kadam and Pooja Ganesh},
        title = {Narratives of Romantic Disappointment in Young Adults in the Light of Relationships: An Exploratory Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {11643-11657},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=203545},
        abstract = {This study explored the experiences of romantic disappointment among young people in an Indian socio-cultural setting. The study was based on romantic expectations, longing for closure, cultural factors, coping mechanisms, and self-reflection as contributors to romantic disappointment. This study sought to explore the understanding of romantic disappointment in non-western settings due to the scarcity of literature on romantic disappointment in such settings.
For this research, a qualitative narrative inquiry methodology was used. In total, fifteen participants aged between 18 and 30 years old experiencing romantic disappointment were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data collection took place using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using deductive thematic analysis. The theories used for this study included Cognitive Theory, Attachment Theory, Choice Theory, Relationship Theory, and Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love.
It was found that unrealistic expectations, uncertainty in the modern relationships, and contradictions between the traditional and modern values significantly contributed to the formation of disappointment among the participants. The participants reported feeling sad, confused, grieving, and doubting themselves, as well as coping with these feelings using introspection and gaining emotional support. Despite the fact that disappointment in romance brought about suffering, the participants also mentioned personal growth, increased emotional intelligence, and resilience as outcomes of romantic disappointment.
It can be concluded that romantic disappointment is both painful and transforming, which makes it necessary to provide culturally appropriate emotional and psychological support.},
        keywords = {romantic disappointment, young adults, romantic expectations, need for closure, coping mechanisms, meaning-making, emotional resilience.},
        month = {May},
        }