Volume 20, Issue 2 (3-2026)                   bjcp 2026, 20(2): 65-84 | Back to browse issues page

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The Lived Experiences of Adolescents Regarding Continued Indirect Presence Following the Dissolution of Friendships: A Phenomenological Study
Nafiseh Yousefi1 , Abbas Javaheri *2 , Somayyeh Shahmoradi3
1- Master of Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran , javaheri.m@ut.ac.ir
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:   (379 Views)
Given the importance of peer relationships during adolescence, the increasing prevalence of orbiting, and its potential negative consequences for both parties involved, the present study aimed to identify the causes and consequences of adolescents’ use of orbiting as a strategy for ending friendships. This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative phenomenological approach. The population of this study consisted of all 16-18-years-old girl students in Tehran during the 2023-2024 academic year. Ultimately, Considering the saturation principle, 20 adolescent girls participated in the present study using purposive sampling of the criterion type. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method with the assistance of MAXQDA 24 software. The results were categorized into 2 main concepts, 5 sub-concepts and 25 primary concepts. The main and sub-concepts of the research include the Interpersonal factors (Probability of relationship restoration, Maintaining a self-oriented minimal relationship and Maintaining an other-oriented minimal relationship) Individual factors (Emotional and Cognitive experiences). Based on the findings, adolescents' use of orbiting as a friendship termination strategy is driven by their desire to maintain the possibility of future reconnection and their difficulties in fully disengaging from the relationship. Based on the study's findings regarding the negative consequences of orbiting for relationship terminators, it is recommended that mental health professionals working with adolescents develop and implement strategies to reduce the use of orbiting as a means of ending friendships, with the aim of improving adolescents' social relationships and mental health.
Keywords: Adolescents, Friendly Relations, Orbiting, Phenomenology, Teenage Years
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/02/15 | Revised: 2026/05/17 | Accepted: 2026/06/6 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/6 | Published: 2026/07/27
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