After Seeing the Ghost: Ghosting, Coping Processes and Impact on Future Romantic Relationships among Young Adults in Türkiye

Authors : Muhammed Ferit Duman

Pages : 79-105

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Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to understand, explain, and explore the ghosting experiences of young adults in Türkiye, their coping mechanisms in response to ghosting, and its impact on their future romantic relationships. Designed as a qualitative field study with a phenomenological approach, the research focuses on young adults in Türkiye who have been subjected to ghosting. The sample consisted of 30 individuals (15 men and 15 women) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide comprising 61 open-ended questions. The interview data were coded using MAXQDA and Excel software. A total of 1,115 codes were generated—518 related to the study’s three primary themes and 597 for the cross-analysis of the second theme. These codes were categorized into 32 sub-themes. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University. Key findings based on thematic analysis are as follows; Theme 1: The phenomenon of ghosting is in its early stages in Türkiye. However, it is rapidly spreading and is expected to become more prevalent. Participants described ghosting as an undesirable but increasingly normalized risk in romantic relationships, akin to infidelity. Ghosting was also reported to follow a discernible \\\"algorithm\\\" or pattern. Theme 2: The coping mechanisms employed by young adults in Türkiye largely align with those documented in existing literature. Theme 3: Ghosting has significant and often detrimental effects on future romantic relationships, as well as on broader social interactions among young adults. Particularly among women, ghosting anxiety is common and difficult to manage in subsequent romantic encounters. Many participants reported adopting self-protective behaviors—such as emotional withdrawal or increased self-centeredness—as a means of coping. Additionally, ghosting was found to contribute to a noticeable delay in the age of marriage, though it did not significantly impact the age at which participants expected to have children.
Keywords : Sosyal değişim, Gençler, Ghostlama, Başa çıkma süreci, Türkiye

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