Assessment of the Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Breakup Distress Scale and Its Relationship with Resilience Among College Students

In early adulthood, particularly between the ages of 18 and 25, individuals often explore various romantic relationships as they seek their ideal partner (1). The end of these relationships, whether due to separation or divorce, can lead to significant emotional distress, including feelings of sadness, anxiety, and grief that may persist over time (2). While the causes of breakups are complex, common contributing factors such as conflicting goals, lack of emotional intimacy (3), and personal development challenges are often associated with heightened emotional responses (4).

Experiencing distress following a breakup can be alleviated through adaptive coping strategies, with resilience serving as a key protective factor in this process (5). Resilience not only buffers against emotional harm but also fosters personal growth and recovery (6). Despite the importance of these constructs, existing assessment tools frequently lack cultural sensitivity when applied to diverse populations, such as Iranians, highlighting the necessity for culturally adapted measures.

The emotional aftermath of a breakup often involves negative feelings such as anger, loneliness, and anxiety (7), which may lead individuals to adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, reduced physical activity, or substance use. To mitigate these adverse effects, cognitive reframing — adjusting one’s perspective — has been shown to improve coping and resilience during such challenging times (8).

For students, breakup distress can resemble complicated grief, characterized by intense sorrow following the loss of a romantic partner. Research indicates that sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, are more common among those experiencing such grief, often tied to intrusive thoughts about the loss. Additionally, breakup-related distress is frequently linked to negative self-perceptions and tendencies toward self-blame (4). The strength and duration of emotional distress are often predicted by factors such as the intimacy and length of the relationships, where stronger emotional bonds tend to hinder recovery (7).

Despite the extensive challenges associated with breakup distress, research exploring its root causes remains limited. Longitudinal studies suggest that disparities in engagement and investment within relationships — such as emotional dependency or commitment — contribute to the intensity of post-breakup distress, sometimes leading to disengagement or emotional withdrawal (9). The loss of vital relationship features, especially in adolescent relationships involving emerging sexual needs and a desire for intimacy, further exacerbates distress (10). As individuals mature, there is typically a shift from dependency on romantic bonds towards seeking deeper emotional connections, which complicates the emotional aftermath of a breakup (1). The emotional and physical health repercussions of breakup distress are profound and well-documented (11, 12).

While tools such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) are widely used, their ability to accurately capture the complex, culturally specific emotional reactions associated with breakup experiences is limited (13). This underscores the urgent need to develop and validate assessment instruments that are culturally relevant for Iranian populations. Current assessment tools for breakup distress possess limitations, particularly in their cultural applicability to Iranian populations. This necessitates a comprehensive psychometric study aimed at evaluating existing measures, such as the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS), alongside the exploration of resilience as a critical psychological construct. The BDI, designed to measure depression severity, is often linked to breakup distress but may not capture the multifaceted emotional responses unique to such experiences, particularly in different cultural contexts. Additionally, tools such as the PSS and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) provide insights into stress levels and relationship quality, respectively, yet may overlook specific cultural influences on breakup distress. The Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) are useful in understanding coping mechanisms and emotional responses, but their effectiveness may be diminished if not culturally tailored. Finally, the Quality-of-Life Scale (QoL) evaluates overall well-being but may lack the specificity needed to address breakup-related emotional distress comprehensively.

Given the unique socio-cultural landscape of Iran, existing tools such as the Persian version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) for sexual distress, the Disaster Resilience Measuring Tool (DRMT-C19) for disaster resilience, and the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) for acute distress are valuable but require adaptation for breakup scenarios. There remains a significant gap in the availability of reliable Persian-language instruments specifically designed to assess breakup distress, thereby reinforcing the necessity of developing culturally sensitive measures that include the evaluation of resilience.

Resilience is defined as the capacity to adapt positively to adverse situations. It is central to understanding how individuals cope with breakup-related distress. Evidence indicates that higher resilience correlates positively with overall well-being and social support, which can serve as vital resources during emotional upheaval (14). Factors such as commitment and social support have been shown to alleviate distress, whereas prolonged grief often results from difficulties with attachment and positive memory recall (6, 15). Recognizing these facets emphasizes the importance of distinguishing emotional reactions from deeper psychological constructs like resilience.

Considering the unaccounted variance in breakup distress identified in student populations — stemming from depression, betrayal, and intimacy levels — there is a pressing need for further investigation and development of assessment tools (7) tailored to the Iranian context. This psychometric study aims to fill this gap by emphasizing the importance of resilience in coping with breakup distress. By focusing on resilience, the study seeks to develop instruments that not only assess distress but also capture relevant personality traits and protective factors. An enhanced understanding of resilience is anticipated to facilitate improved coping strategies and promote emotional recovery, ultimately aiding individuals in navigating the complexities of breakup distress more effectively. In summary, addressing the limitations of existing tools and incorporating the concept of resilience provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and assessing breakup distress in a culturally sensitive manner. This approach could significantly contribute to the emotional well-being of individuals experiencing relationship transitions in the context of Iran.

This research aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the BDS and to compare resilience levels among students with high versus low breakup distress scores. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing interventions that enhance resilience and support individuals coping with breakup distress.

The current study investigates the validity and reliability of the BDS, classified as applied research and employing a psychometric methodology. Utilizing a field study design for data collection, it is categorized as a survey study. The BDS was administered to 350 participants (mean age: 24.96 ± 3.41 years), all of whom had experienced breakup distress in the past six months. Inclusion criteria were ages 18 - 30, previous emotional relationships lasting at least six months, and no medical or psychological issues affecting results. Exclusion criteria included self-reported psychiatric disorders, prior emotional relationships shorter than six months, and recent psychoactive substance use. All participants remained in the study from start to finish with no exclusions.

To clarify the rationale and statistical justification for this sample size, we conducted a post-hoc power analysis using G*Power (version X) based on our primary analytical approach involving multiple regression with three predictors. The analysis revealed a high statistical power of 0.99997 (with an effect size f² of 0.063, α = 0.05, and an estimated minimum sample size of 573). Although our actual sample was slightly below this number, the high power indicates sufficient sensitivity to detect meaningful effects, thus supporting the robustness of our findings. All 350 participants initially recruited met inclusion criteria, completed the questionnaires, and remained in the study throughout without exclusions.

The second aim of the study was to examine the relationship between breakup distress [measured by the BDS) and resilience (measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC)]. To operationalize this, we administered both instruments concurrently, collected data over the designated period, and performed correlational and regression analyses to explore associations. Consent forms, the BDS, the Resilience Scale (16), and demographic information were collected. The sample comprised 131 (37.4%) men and 219 (62.6%) women.

The BDS was developed by Field et al. (17) to evaluate breakup distress in students, drawing parallels to complicated grief. Adapted from the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) (18), it replaces "deceased person" with "breakup distress," retaining 16 of the original 19 items. The scale employs a four-point Likert scale for responses and classifies individuals into low (scores 16 - 41) and high (scores 41 - 64) breakup distress categories. Field reported a Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 for the BDS, indicating high internal consistency, although the original ICG showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and a strong correlation with depression (17).

The CD-RISC measures resilience, drawing from various theoretical frameworks. The concept of resilience is rooted in Kobasa's work from 1979, emphasizing control, commitment, and viewing change as a challenge. Adaptations from Rutter’s 1985 research focus on goal orientation, self-esteem, adaptability, social problem-solving, humor in stress, stress empowerment, accountability, emotional bonds, and prior successes. Items assessing stress tolerance are influenced by Lyons's 1991 strategies for positive coping after trauma, while Shackleton's insights on faith and altruism highlight the spiritual dimension of resilience. The CD-RISC comprises 25 items rated on a five-point Likert scale (zero-four), reflecting participant feelings over the past month. Total scores range from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating greater resilience. Resilience levels are categorized as low (25 - 41), moderate (41 - 83), and high (above 83). Factor analysis reveals five dimensions: Personal competence (8 items), tolerance of negative affect (7 items), positive acceptance of change (5 items), control (3 items), and spiritual influences (2 items). The scale exhibits strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and test-retest reliability (0.87) (16). The Persian version demonstrated validity through factor analysis, with item correlation coefficients ranging from 0.41 to 0.64, and a reliability coefficient of 0.93 (19).

To evaluate the validity of the BDS, we conducted CFA based on its original model. Initial findings revealed a poor fit, prompting modifications. Item 11 ("I go out of my way to avoid reminders of the person"), with a low factor loading (Estimate = 0.21), was removed. Additionally, covariance errors were permitted between several item pairs, leading to significant improvements in the model fit indices. The final model demonstrated acceptable fit, as detailed in Tables 1, 2, and Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Final model of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS)

To evaluate the reliability of the BDS, we employed internal consistency methods, including Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.883 for the original 16-item scale and 0.891 for the revised 15-item version. Split-half reliability coefficients for the original version were 0.812 (first half), 0.787 (second half), and 0.856 (overall). For the revised version, the coefficients were 0.812 (first half), 0.821 (second half), and 0.851 (overall). These results indicate adequate reliability for research use (Table 3).

In this study, participants included 62.6% male and 37.4% female students, with the majority (46.9%) being firstborns and 45.4% holding a bachelor's degree. Notably, 34% reported experiencing a separation lasting two years or more, and 66.6% had deep relationships prior to the separation, while 30.6% reported emotional relationships lasting less than six months. The mean breakup distress score was 31.34 ± 9.21, with 81.7% of participants scoring high (41 - 64) and 18.3% scoring low (16 - 41). Women exhibited higher frequencies in both high (59.4%) and low (63.3%) score groups compared to men (40.6% and 36.7%, respectively). Firstborns represented the highest frequency in both score groups. Educational attainment varied, with associate degrees (10.9%) and doctoral degrees (50%) among high scorers, while bachelor's degrees (44.4%) and doctoral degrees (40.6%) were most common in the low score group. The longest duration since breakup distress for high scorers was predominantly within 6 months (34.4%). Significant differences between high and low score groups were observed concerning birth order and time since separation (P < 0.01), with lower scores among later-born students and those separated for over one year. Independent t-tests revealed no significant gender differences in breakup distress scores, though resilience differed significantly between high and low scorers across most components (P < 0.01) (Table 4).

Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in resilience based on the duration since separation (P = 0.026). Follow-up LSD tests indicated that students separated for 12 to 24 months exhibited greater resilience than those separated for 6 to 12 months and those separated for over 24 months (P < 0.05). No significant differences in resilience were found across other demographic variables (P > 0.01). However, comparisons by gender showed significant differences in two resilience components — personal competence and tolerance of negative affect (P < 0.05, Table 5).

Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between overall resilience scores, including its components (personal competence, tolerance of negative affect, positive acceptance of change, and control), and breakup distress (P < 0.01). The strongest correlations were noted between breakup distress and the overall resilience score, particularly regarding the control component. Among male students, significant negative correlations were found across all resilience components (P < 0.01), with the strongest link to positive acceptance of change. In contrast, female students exhibited a more intense negative relationship with overall resilience and its components (P < 0.001), highlighting control as the most correlated component with breakup distress. No significant relationship was observed between breakup distress and spiritual influences for either gender (P > 0.05, Table 6).

To predict breakup distress based on the duration since separation, resilience, and its components, stepwise regression analysis was conducted, resulting in three significant models. The components entered in order of significance were control, time since separation, and positive acceptance of change, while other variables were excluded due to their lack of predictive power (Table 7).

In the first model, the control component emerged as the strongest predictor, explaining 13.4% of the variance in breakup distress (P < 0.001, F = 53.84). The standardized beta coefficient indicated that control negatively predicts breakup distress (β = -0.37). The second model, which included both control and time since separation, explained 17.3% of the variance (P < 0.001, F = 36.35), with standardized beta coefficients of β = -0.36 for control and β = -0.198 for duration since separation. In the third model, adding the acceptance component resulted in an explanation of 18.9% of the variance (P < 0.001, F = 26.81). The standardized beta coefficients for this model were β = -0.287 for control, β = -0.186 for duration since separation, and β = -0.145 for acceptance, all significantly predicting breakup distress (P < 0.05).

This study involved 350 Iranian university students aged 18 to 30 and aimed to achieve two primary objectives: First, to translate and adapt the 16-item BDS into Persian, assessing its psychometric properties (validity and reliability) among students who have experienced breakup distress within the past six months; second, to examine the relationship between breakup distress and resilience, considering demographic factors such as gender, age, birth order, education level, duration since separation, and the intensity of prior relationships.

Initial findings suggest that the Persian Breakup Distress Scale (P-BDS) exhibits adequate construct and content validity for assessing the experiences of separation among students. However, to strengthen these findings, further investigation into its cross-cultural validity and potential biases associated with self-reported data is crucial. The CFA indicated that the original model of the P-BDS did not fit well, leading to necessary modifications. Specifically, Item 11 was eliminated due to a low factor loading of 0.21, which improved the model's fit but raises questions about its conceptual relevance. This suggests that the item might reflect cultural differences in how breakup distress is conceptualized and expressed. Additionally, covariance errors between five item pairs were addressed, resulting in a revised model that demonstrated acceptable fit.

Reliability assessments indicated high internal consistency for both the original 16-item version (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and the modified 15-item version (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89), consistent with earlier findings that reported a Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 for the original scale (3). Moreover, scores on the BDS were positively correlated with feelings of rejection, betrayal, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression (20). This supports the notion that the Persian version effectively captures the construct of breakup distress, in line with other cultural adaptations of the scale.

Recent literature highlights the significance of age demographics in studies of breakup distress, arguing that it is a culturally relevant phenomenon linked to the normative development of intimacy in young adults rather than merely reflecting relationship failure (21). The BDS is based on the complicated Grief Inventory (18) and illustrates how the end of romantic relationships can trigger elevated physical and emotional distress, marked by feelings of rejection and a desire for intimacy (12).

The P-BDS's reliability among Iranian students, assessed through the split-half method, revealed coefficients of R = 0.81 for the first half, R = 0.82 for the second half, and R = 0.85 overall. These findings closely mirror those from the original version and its Spanish adaptation, which also report high internal consistency. Additionally, structural equation modeling showed that individuals who initiate breakups tend to experience lower distress levels than those who are on the receiving end (3).

Further analysis indicated that students’ breakup distress scores varied according to birth order and the time since the breakup. Specifically, students with lower birth order rankings reported reduced breakup distress, aligning with research suggesting that strong sibling attachments can alleviate anxiety and distress (22, 23). Healthy sibling relationships appear to enhance self-esteem and positively impact psychosocial development, helping individuals cope better during stressful situations. A supportive family environment is vital for mitigating breakup distress and facilitating adjustment post-separation (24).

The study also found that as the time since a breakup increases, students report lower distress levels, which supports existing research identifying time as a key predictor of emotional recovery (7). Notably, the most severe mental health issues are typically associated with relationships lasting less than one year (25). Individuals often employ cognitive and behavioral coping strategies to manage separation stress, with adaptive strategies — such as self-help practices and building new relationships — correlating negatively with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Over time, individuals become more skilled at using these coping mechanisms after experiencing a breakup.

Interestingly, no significant differences in breakup distress scores were observed between male and female students, contrasting with prior research indicating that females generally report higher distress levels (17). This discrepancy may arise from the study's specific sample composition, as women typically experience more intense feelings of depression and hopelessness post-breakup. Overall, this highlights the importance of considering the sample's characteristics when interpreting gender differences in breakup distress.

The analysis also identified significant differences in resilience and its components — such as personal competence, tolerance of negative affect, positive acceptance of change, and control — between students with high and low breakup distress scores, except for the spiritual aspect. A notable negative correlation was found between breakup distress and overall resilience, particularly regarding control, a trend that was especially evident among female students. Resilience is increasingly recognized as a crucial trait that helps young adults navigate challenges in romantic relationships (26-28). Family resilience theory posits that the quality of interpersonal relationships significantly affects one’s capacity to cope with crises like breakups (27).

This research indicates that individuals grappling with breakup distress can benefit from enhanced resilience, which boosts their coping abilities. Resilience facilitates personal competence during pivotal events, such as relational endings, leading to better emotional acceptance. Consequently, resilience serves as a psychological buffer, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of breakup distress and allowing for smoother adjustments following relationship terminations (28). Increased resilience correlates with higher self-esteem and more adaptive coping strategies, enabling individuals to navigate the challenges associated with breakups effectively.

Furthermore, the notion of sudden loss closely aligns with levels of depression, as supported by existing grief literature. While prior studies indicate that women typically experience higher depression following breakups (29), this study found no significant gender differences in depression scores. Additionally, men did not demonstrate a correlation between the loss of positive affect and the severity of depressive symptoms, suggesting they may underreport their emotional struggles during stressful situations. Longitudinal research is essential to further explore the unique coping mechanisms and vulnerabilities tied to depressive symptoms under stress (30).

The analysis revealed a connection between students' resilience levels and the time elapsed since their breakup, with those who had broken up within the last 12 to 24 months reporting higher resilience than those who had experienced a breakup recently or over two years prior, which aligns with earlier findings (31, 32). However, no significant resilience differences were discovered based on demographic factors such as gender, age, birth order, educational background, or relationship intensity. Notably, commitment to a past relationship negatively correlated with the willingness to engage in new relationships, while negative memories of former partners were associated with increased depression and distress (32).

A comparative analysis of resilience by gender showed that male and female students significantly differed only in personal competence and tolerance of negative affect, with males scoring higher in both areas, a finding consistent with Behl and Jain (32). Furthermore, three resilience components — control, commitment, and purpose — serve as indicators of "hardiness" (33). Individuals who perceived less control over breakup decisions experienced greater distress, suggesting that emphasizing social connections and pursuing new romantic relationships could aid recovery by decreasing post-breakup distress. Additionally, men often exhibited a more optimistic outlook on post-breakup challenges compared to women (32).

Lastly, the study assessed the combined effects of control, time since the breakup, and acceptance in predicting breakup distress, explaining 18.9% of variance in distress levels, consistent with Rosenfeld’s findings (26). Individuals in high-quality romantic relationships typically display greater resilience, derive meaning from their breakup experiences, and manage external stressors effectively. Conversely, seeking new romantic partnerships was negatively correlated with breakup distress. Higher commitment, intimacy, and longer relationship durations emerged as strong predictors of breakup distress. Resilience significantly shapes psychological outcomes after a breakup, with numerous studies affirming its positive impact on helping young adults navigate emotional distress (7). Resilience is also associated with cognitive styles and coping strategies, suggesting it fosters positive thinking and adaptive strategies among students dealing with recent breakups (31). Exploring resilience interventions more thoroughly could provide insights into effective methods for reducing breakup distress.

The concept of sudden loss is intricately linked to depression scores, aligning with existing literature on grief, particularly regarding unexpected losses and associated psychiatric challenges like clinical depression. Despite findings indicating that women often experience higher depression levels linked to breakup distress than men (29), this study found no significant gender differences in depression scores. Men exhibited no correlation between the loss of positive affect and depressive symptoms, while women reported more significant declines in positive affect. These results suggest that men may underreport their emotional difficulties during stressful periods, influencing perceived gender disparities in depression rates. The aftermath of breakups relates to both sudden loss and the loss of positive affect, emphasizing the necessity for longitudinal studies to explore coping mechanisms and vulnerabilities among individuals experiencing depressive symptoms during stress (30).