Persistence of Attempts to Reconcile a Terminated Romantic Relationship: A Partial Test of Relational Goal Pursuit Theory

Drawing on Relational Goal Pursuit Theory, we predicted that the following factors would foster persistence of attempted reconciliation following the breakup of a dating or romantic relationship: (a) the rejected partner's linking of the desired relationship with more important life goals; (b) the rejected partner's rumination about the ex-partner and the former relationship; (c) the rejected partner's belief that reconciliation attempts will be successful; and (d) the rejected partner's emotional distress regarding the failure to accomplish reconciliation. Results showed strong support for the theory, with linking, rumination, and self-efficacy being particularly predictive of persistence of reconciliation attempts.