An empirical, accessible definition of “ghosting” as a relationship dissolution method

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Abstract

Abstract “Ghosting” as a method of relationship dissolution has entered both popular media and academic discussion as a topic of interest. Journalists and researchers have used both observation and qualitative methods to define this breakup strategy with varying and sometimes contradictory results. The goal of this study was to create an accessible and empirical definition of ghosting and to resolve discrepancies between existing definitions. To do so, we asked 499 participants (321 cisgender women, all residing in Canada and aged 17–29) two open‐ended questions about ghosting. Participants provided their own definition of ghosting, and then identified behaviors that they associated with ghosting. Next, we conducted inductive qualitative analyses with four cycles of coding to determine the key components of the behavior that distinguish ghosting from other methods of relationship dissolution. Based on participant responses and language, we derived the following definition of ghosting: “One way that people can end a relationship is by ghosting . Ghosting is when one person suddenly ignores or stops communicating with another person, without telling them why.” Our proposed definition of ghosting addresses shortcomings presented by previous and concurrently developed definitions and provides a starting point for future research on ghosting in romantic relationships, friendships, workplaces, and beyond.

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