RELATIONSHIP BREAKUPS AND EMOTIONAL PAIN: WHEN LOVE AFFECTS LEARNING

Romantic relationships are a significant part of the undergraduate experience. For many students, university life is the first environment where emotional independence, romantic attachment, and intimate relationships are explored without close parental supervision. While healthy relationships can provide emotional support and motivation, relationship breakdowns often bring intense emotional pain that can disrupt psychological functioning and academic performance. This lecture examines the psychological impact of relationship breakups on students, with particular attention to emotional pain, cognitive functioning, and learning outcomes. Using relevant psychological theories and Nigerian undergraduate experiences, the lecture aims to help students understand why heartbreak hurts, how it affects learning, and what adaptive coping strategies can be employed.