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The Solution to College Students' Romantic Dilemmas from a Multitheoretical Perspective: A Study Based on Real Cases

Author(s)

Hong Xu*, Yangnan Lei

Affiliation(s)

Department of Education and Psychology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, Hubei, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the underlying causes of a college student's romantic dilemma and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive psychological intervention. The student, from a reconstituted family, experienced parental divorce, paternal abandonment, and maternal neglect in childhood, developing low self-esteem, sensitivity, and difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to early traumas. The research explores how these factors, combined with her boyfriend’s repeated infidelity and her inability to end the relationship despite social opposition, form a complex emotional predicament. The subject was a female college student with a history of family dysfunction. The study employed psychodynamic, social learning, and cognitive-behavioral theories to dissect the interplay of early experiences, family environment, social-cultural influences, and cognitive biases. A 28-week intervention included trust-building, cognitive restructuring, emotion-behavior training, and social circle expansion. Assessments involved psychological tests, behavioral observations, and evaluations of interpersonal relationship changes. The intervention yielded significant improvements: psychological assessments showed enhanced self-esteem and emotional regulation, while behavioral observations indicated better coping strategies. Her social network expanded, and relationships with family and friends were repaired. She demonstrated reduced attachment to the toxic relationship and improved decision-making skills, confirming the intervention’s efficacy in addressing both cognitive and emotional challenges. This case provides empirical evidence for addressing similar emotional dilemmas, highlighting the role of early trauma and cognitive biases in maintaining dysfunctional relationships. The study underscores the importance of integrating multiple theoretical frameworks in intervention design, as each theory offers a unique perspective on the problem and contributes to a more comprehensive solution. It also emphasizes the critical role of family and social support systems in mental health restoration. A strong support network can act as a buffer against stress and promote recovery. This research offers practical insights for clinicians treating individuals trapped in comparable romantic predicaments. Clinicians can draw on the intervention methods and strategies used in this study, such as the combination of different theoretical approaches and the focus on social support, to develop more effective treatment plans for their patients. Moreover, it calls for more attention to be paid to the mental health of college students from disadvantaged family backgrounds, as they may be more vulnerable to romantic relationship problems.

Keywords

Romantic Dilemmas; Psychological Intervention; Family Background; Cognitive-Behavioral Theory; Social Learning Theory

References

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