The researchers found that people dealing with upcoming fractures started using the “I” and “we” representatives more often up to three months before they broke.
Overall, the language of those who broke up with partners, as well as those with whom they were breaking up, was less formal and personal. According to the researchers, these changes can be attributed to a drop in analytical thinking and an increase in mental processing.
“These are signs that someone is carrying a heavy mental burden,” said Sarah Seraj, MS, lead author and candidate of psychology doctorate. “They think or work through something and become more self – centered. ”
In general, people who are depressed or sad may start using the word “I” more often, Seraj explained. “When people are depressed, they tend to be self-centered and unable to connect with others.”
People showed these movements in language even when talking about topics that were not entirely related to relationships, the researchers found, showing how dangerous breaking can affect someone’s life to some degree. subconscious.
Although these patterns began to ease after six months for most people, the language of some users did not return to normal for up to a year after they broke down. Those who took more time to overcome the disappointment were more likely to retell their breaking story for months after it happened, which the researchers believe made it harder for them to healing.