Explanation of Cognitive Reactions in Girls with Love Trauma Syndrome: A Phenomenological Study

Love truma syndrome is a set of symptoms that occures after the end of romantic relationship and has negative effects on individual performance in different functions. The aim of present study was to explanation of cognitive reactions in girls with love trauma syndrome living in dormitory. The research method was a qualitative method with phenomenological approach. The population consisted of girls with love truma syndrome during 2018 living in a dormitory in University of Tehran. They were selected by invitation through a purposive sampling. Sampling continued until data saturation and finally 14 girls were selected. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. The data analysis resulted in 2 main themes, 9 subthemes and 38 initial concepts. As the fisrt theme, “adaptative cognitive reactions” consisted (1-positive defensive thoughts, 2- adaptative decision-making, 3- flourish). The second main theme was “maladaptive cognitive reactions” consisted (1- disorientation, 2- maladapative decision-making, 3- bargaining, 4-  changed beliefs, 5- cognitive distortions, 6- rumination). Rusults Showed different reactions in participants. Environmental and psychological supports, personal insight and personality type were effective on reactions. People with more self-awareness and independence got less impression from this experience.