Research shows that the turning point for ending relationships occurs 'one to two years before the breakup'
While the end of a relationship can come suddenly due to trivial events, it is often the result of misunderstandings that arise over a long period of time together. Several studies of up to 11,295 people have found that a turning point in a relationship may occur one to two years before the breakup.
(PDF) Terminal Decline of Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships: Evidence From Four Longitudinal Studies
Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end | ScienceDaily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250321163543.htm
Scientists Reveal Subtle Signs Your Relationship Is Headed for a Breakup
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-reveal-subtle-signs-your-relationship-is-headed-for-a-breakup/
Janina Bühler of Johannes Gutenberg University and her colleagues used data from four representative studies in Germany, Australia, the UK and the Netherlands to examine the relationships of a total of 11,295 people who ended up breaking up. The four studies were conducted over a long period of time, from a minimum of 12 years to a maximum of 21 years, and in all countries participants were asked how satisfied they were with their current relationship.
According to Buehler, for many couples, the longer they are in a relationship, the less satisfied they are, with satisfaction hitting its lowest point about 10 years into the relationship. Furthermore, the period of declining satisfaction can be divided into two periods: the pre-terminal period and the terminal period.
The first stage is the pre-terminal stage, which is characterized by a gradual decline in satisfaction. In some cases, this can continue for several years. However, at a certain point, a 'turning point' is reached and the couple moves into the terminal stage, after which satisfaction drops sharply and the couple breaks up. This terminal stage usually lasts for 7 to 28 months, so it can be assumed that couples who break up are likely to have reached a turning point 7 to 28 months before the breakup.
'When this terminal stage is reached, the relationship inevitably ends. This is evident from the fact that only the experimental group experienced this terminal stage, whereas the control group participants who did not experience a breakup did not,' Buehler and his colleagues wrote.
The study also found that couples do not reach the end of their relationship at the same time: breakup initiators usually become dissatisfied earlier and experience a decline in satisfaction over a longer period of time, while breakup recipients only become aware of the deterioration in their relationship shortly before the breakup.
'In many cases, couples seek help too late - once they've already reached the end-of-life stage. That's why it's important to recognize these relationship patterns. Taking steps before the relationship starts to deteriorate rapidly - in the pre-end-of-life stage - can be effective and may contribute to saving the relationship,' said Buehler, who also works as a couples therapist.
In addition, a study conducted by Buehler et al. also found that 'average relationship satisfaction declines in the first 10 years, increases slightly in the next 10 years, and declines again after 20 years or more.' It is important to maintain relationships over the long term so that they do not reach the end.
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