Research Reveals How Long It Really Takes to Get Over an Ex
Briefly

New research from March 2025 published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that most people take an average of eight years to fully recover from an ex. This study indicates that emotional imprinting from romantic relationships can lead to significant neurological and emotional changes. The influence of neurotransmitters associated with love and attachment can create powerful feelings that resemble the effects of addiction, further complicating the healing process after a breakup. As a result, the journey of moving on often extends beyond what one might expect.
On average, it takes approximately eight years to completely move on from an ex, highlighting the deep emotional and neurological impacts of romantic attachments.
Research indicates that emotional experiences in relationships can create lifelong neurological effects, making it crucial to understand the effects of love on the brain.
Emotional attachments are tied to reward and motivational states in the brain, often making the process of moving on from an ex akin to overcoming addiction.
It's essential to recognize the profound impact of a breakup, as love engages the brain's reward system, creating challenges in the healing process.
Read at Psychology Today
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