Conscious Uncoupling

Abstract

Abstract Conscious uncoupling—an approach to relational termination grounded in tremendous amounts of goodwill, generosity, and respect between partners—is a modern, relational phenomenon challenging traditional perceptions and practices of divorce. Historically, the language of “happily ever after” and “until death do us part” has arguably generated unrealistic expectations for partners to remain in marriages despite any circumstances. However, recent divorce and marriage statistics suggest that most human beings will enter two to three serious relationships and, by extension, experience the effects of relational termination. The notion of divorce has historically had negative connotations, but conscious uncoupling reconceptualizes the meaning of relational termination with a sense of unity, wholeness, and productivity. In this chapter, we (1) discuss the history of marital ideology before reconceptualizing relational termination, (2) unpack conscious uncoupling in romantic relationships and its effects on children, and (3) identify important factors to consider for imminent research concerning conscious uncoupling.