Science Discovers Why A Rebound Relationship Is A Good Thing

A study has found a rebound relationship may be better for you than “taking a break” from dating. Yes, you might be better off jumping back into the dating pool.

The study, “Too fast, too soon? An empirical investigation into rebound relationships“, comprised of two parts, looked at people who were experiencing a breakup and analyzed their “well-being, their feelings about their ex-partner, and whether they were seeing someone new” to look at the consequences of of “quickly beginning new romantic relationship after another has ended.”

The end result was that people in new relationships were more confident in themselves, were over their ex-partner at a higher level, and generally in a much better “place” than those who remained single.  Also, the faster someone jumped into another relationship, the greater their “psychological and relational health.”

Overall, the study suggests rebound relationships may be more beneficial than typically believed. 

Why People Jump Into Rebound Relationships

We’ve all been through a breakup but everyone handles the breakup differently.  Some people quickly jump into rebound relationships while others avoid them like the plague.

Why do people have rebound relationships? There are several possible reasons:

• It’s a way to cope with a recent breakup.
• A rebound relationship is a way to distract yourself from the pain that comes with a breakup.
• It can help with loneliness.
• It’s a way to divert attention or negative emotions.
• It can boost self-confidence (to prove to themselves they are still desirable).
• A new relationship can fill the gap left by a former partner.
• Revenge.  It’s a way to get back at an ex.

These are just a few of the many reasons people jump back into a relationship.  The question we want to look at is it better to jump back into a relationship or take a break?  Let’s take a look at the study and subsequent findings.

Post Breakup Analysis: Comparing Single Vs. Dating People

The first part of the study looked at people, some single and some who were dating, to determine how rebound relationships affect personal recovery following a breakup

Participants who were dating were more likely “to report confidence in their desirability” than those who were still single.  Dating participants were also less likely to still have feelings for their ex-partner or to be maintaining contact with their ex-partner as well.

In terms of their feelings, people who started the relationship more quickly reported a greater level of respect for their new partner but also tended to compare their new partner to their former partner more.

The study also looked at the time between a breakup and the start of a new relationship.  In general, people who were single for a shorter period of time were more likely to report higher levels of well-being, self-esteem, and trust.

What Are The Psychological Effects Of A Rebound Relationship

The second part of the study continued to compare single to dating people focusing on the time between their current relationships and previous ones previous to examine the psychological effects of quickly starting a new relationship.

Among the findings of people in relationships were:

• They had higher well-being compared with singles.
• There were more trusting than single people.
• They were less likely to have lingering feelings for their ex-partner.
• They had less contact with their ex-partner,
• They felt more confident in their romantic desirability (higher self-esteem).

The study concluded people who were in a rebound relationship “tended to have better personal psychological outcomes and valued their new partner more.”

Final Thoughts

There’s a saying; “the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”   But is it smart to start a new relationship after going through a recent breakup?  The study found people who start dating someone may be better off than taking their time getting over their breakup.

The study found the less time spent single between relationships corresponded to greater well-being, higher self-esteem and greater confidence in one’s dating desirability

In terms of a current relationship, people who were single for a shorter period of time between relationships had more contact with their current partner, more respect for their partner, and tended to compare their current partner with their ex-partner more.

Have you ever had a rebound relationship? Would love to hear your thoughts below.