Ghosting in Adolescent Friendships: A Phenomenological Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc Student, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the use of ghosting in adolescent friendships. This study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach to gain a deep understanding of the participants’perspectives. The population of this study consisted of all 16-18-years-old girls students in Tehran during the 2023-2024 academic year. Ultimately, a purposive sample of 20 adolescent girls was selected, considering the principle of saturation. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. After analyzing the data using Colasis’s seven-step method, the results were categorized into 1 main concept (reasons for ending relationships via ghosting), 4 sub-concepts (weak communication skills, needs, fears and concerns and dysfunctional beliefs) and 17 primary concepts. Based on finding, it can be concluded that adolescents generally use ghosting to terminate the relationship due to their personality weaknesses and attempt to avoid and minimize the negative concequences of relationship termination. Based on the research finding, it is recommended that mental health professionals working with adolescents, particularly school counselors, utilize these results to develop and implement programs aimed at reducing the use of ghosting as a relationship termination strategy. This intervention is intended to improve adolescent social relationships and mental health.

Keywords

Journal of Applied Psychological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 February 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 February 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 February 2025

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