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Defining Romantic Self-Sabotage: A Thematic Analysis of
Interviews With Practising Psychologists
Journal of Relationships Research, Volume 10
RAQUEL PEEL, NERINA CALTABIANO, BERYL BUCKBY, KERRY MCBAIN
DOI: 10.1017/jrr.2019.7
Published online: 26 July 2019
Print publication: January 2019
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Abstract
The term ‘self-sabotage’ is not well defined in the current literature. Self-sabotage is generally explained as a
synonym of self-handicapping, which does not fully encompass intrinsic behaviours found in romantic relationships.
Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the theme of self-sabotage as viewed by practising
psychologists. A series of 15 semistructured interviews with psychologists specialising in romantic relationships
around Australia identified the main issues contributing to self-sabotage in romantic relationships and the reason
why it might happen. Future studies will need to be conducted to develop a scale to empirically test self-sabotage in
romantic relationships.
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