Romantic relationship dissolutions (RRDs), or breakups, are a common yet often overlooked cause of emotional distress, especially among young adults in university. While breakups are not classified as “traumatic” under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Criterion A, they can still lead to significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). For South African university students, who already face challenges such as academic pressure, financial difficulties, and personal struggles, the mental health impact of breakups is worth investigating.

A study funded by the NRF set out to explore whether breakups are linked to PTSS and how the symptoms compare to those caused by events officially recognised as traumatic under DSM-5 Criterion A, such as life-threatening experiences. The research also looked at factors like past trauma, attachment styles, and demographic differences that might affect PTSS levels.

The study involved 2 022 South African university students aged 18–25 (71.1% female), divided into three groups: those who had experienced a breakup (886 students), those who had faced a DSM-5 Criterion A traumatic event (592 students), and a control group exposed to non-traumatic stressful life events (544 students). Participants completed questionnaires measuring trauma and stress, including the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist (PCL-5), the Life Events Checklist (LEC), and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire. Statistical methods were used to compare the levels of PTSS across these groups.

The results showed that the breakup group had significantly higher PTSS scores (average = 41.89) compared to both the DSM-5 trauma group (average = 34.74) and the control group (average = 26.86). In fact, 72.9% of students in the breakup group scored above the clinical cutoff for probable PTSD, compared to 55.4% in the DSM-5 trauma group and 40.1% in the control group. This suggests that breakups can cause PTSS at levels similar to, or even greater than, those caused by officially recognized traumatic events.

Other factors also influenced PTSS levels. Female participants reported higher PTSS scores than males, consistent with previous studies on stress and trauma. Students with anxious-ambivalent attachment styles—characterised by a strong fear of rejection—were especially vulnerable to stress after a breakup. Students with a history of trauma, such as adverse childhood experiences, were also at higher risk. Interestingly, students from higher-income backgrounds reported lower levels of PTSS, suggesting that financial stability may act as a protective factor.

These findings challenge the DSM-5’s narrow definition of trauma, showing that breakups, although not life-threatening, can cause significant psychological distress. This highlights the need for a broader understanding of what constitutes trauma, especially for young adults. The study emphasises the importance of attachment styles in shaping how individuals respond to stress, as these styles influence emotional regulation and coping strategies.

Breakups are a potentially traumatic experience with serious mental health consequences for university students. Counselling and support services should take these experiences seriously, providing targeted help for students struggling after breakups, particularly those with insecure attachment styles or a history of trauma. Recognising the emotional impact of breakups can encourage students to seek help and improve their mental health outcomes.