Therapist Explains Five Psychological Reasons Ending Long-Term Relationships Is Difficult
Licensed professional counselor Jeff Guenther outlines five science-backed reasons why ending long-term relationships is psychologically challenging. Published by Hindustan Times, the article details how identity fusion causes individuals to feel they are losing a part of themselves, akin to losing a limb. Guenther explains that intermittent reinforcement creates a variable reward schedule similar to gambling addiction, keeping partners hopeful for positive changes. Neuroscience reveals that separation activates brain regions associated with physical pain, triggering a genuine threat response. Additionally, long-term physical closeness leads to dependency on oxytocin, making the breakup feel like withdrawing from a neurochemical substance. Finally, the article notes that people often overestimate their long-term grief, allowing anticipated devastation to prevent them from leaving. These insights aim to help individuals understand the biological and psychological barriers to breaking up, emphasizing that the difficulty is rooted in brain chemistry and established behavioral patterns rather than just emotional weakness.
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Therapist Explains Five Psychological Reasons Ending Long-Term Relationships Is Difficult
Licensed professional counselor Jeff Guenther outlines five science-backed reasons why ending long-term relationships is psychologically challenging. Published by Hindustan Times, the article details how identity fusion causes individuals to feel they are losing a part of themselves, akin to losing a limb. Guenther explains that intermittent reinforcement creates a variable reward schedule similar to gambling addiction, keeping partners hopeful for positive changes. Neuroscience reveals that separation activates brain regions associated with physical pain, triggering a genuine threat response. Additionally, long-term physical closeness leads to dependency on oxytocin, making the breakup feel like withdrawing from a neurochemical substance. Finally, the article notes that people often overestimate their long-term grief, allowing anticipated devastation to prevent them from leaving. These insights aim to help individuals understand the biological and psychological barriers to breaking up, emphasizing that the difficulty is rooted in brain chemistry and established behavioral patterns rather than just emotional weakness.
hindustantimes