How Young Adults Can Cope With Rejection On National Breakup Day

Forbes - Feb 17th, 2025
Open on Forbes

February 21st has been designated as National Breakup Day, according to a 2025 report by Holiday Calendar. This day, observed on the Friday after Valentine's Day, encourages individuals to assess their relationships and make positive changes, including letting go of relationships that aren't working. It serves as a reminder of the emotional impact of rejection, especially among college students who may struggle with suicidal thoughts linked to rejection. The importance of coping with rejection is highlighted, as studies show a significant connection between rejection and mental health challenges.

The implications of National Breakup Day extend beyond just relationship evaluations, shedding light on the psychological effects of rejection, such as Rejection Sensitivity. This emphasizes the need for skills to manage intrusive thoughts, set appropriate boundaries, and process painful emotions. As coping with rejection is a crucial skill, college campuses are urged to provide support, including counseling services. This day not only addresses personal growth but also highlights the broader mental health considerations, encouraging a more supportive environment for those dealing with rejection.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an informative overview of National Breakup Day and the psychological impacts of romantic rejection, offering insights into coping mechanisms. Its strengths lie in clarity and public interest, addressing a relatable topic with straightforward language and structure. However, the article's accuracy and source quality are hindered by the lack of direct verifiability of cited studies, and its balance could be improved by incorporating a wider range of perspectives.

While the article is timely and engages readers on an emotional level, its potential impact is limited without deeper exploration of systemic solutions or expert commentary. Transparency is another area for improvement, as the article does not provide sufficient context or access to the methodologies behind its claims. Despite these limitations, the article serves as a useful starting point for discussions on coping with rejection and mental health, particularly for young adults navigating relationship challenges.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as the existence of National Breakup Day on February 21st and its purpose, which align with known sources. However, claims regarding the association between rejection and suicidal ideation, as well as the specifics of studies on rejection sensitivity, require further verification. The article references studies and reports that need to be checked for authenticity and accuracy, such as those from the Journal of BioMed Central Public Health and the University of Rochester Medical Center. While some claims are supported by external sources, others lack direct verifiability, impacting the overall accuracy score.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the negative aspects of romantic rejection and the psychological impacts, such as suicidal ideation and emotional pain. It does not equally explore potential positive outcomes or coping strategies that might mitigate these effects. This focus on the negative could skew the reader's perception and suggests a lack of balance in presenting the full spectrum of experiences related to relationship breakups. Additionally, other perspectives, such as cultural or societal factors influencing breakups, are not addressed, which could provide a more rounded view.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the various aspects of coping with rejection. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a general audience. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or examples to enhance understanding, particularly when discussing psychological concepts like rejection sensitivity. Overall, the tone is neutral and informative, contributing to the article's clarity.

5
Source quality

The article cites several sources, including the Journal of BioMed Central Public Health and the University of Rochester Medical Center, which are generally reputable. However, the reliability of these sources cannot be fully assessed without direct access to the cited studies. The use of specific websites like Neurosciencenews.com and HelpGuide.org introduces variability in source credibility, as these platforms may not adhere to rigorous academic standards. The lack of direct quotes or links to the original studies also affects the perceived quality of the sources.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing direct access to the studies and reports it references. There is no clear explanation of the methodologies used in the cited studies, nor are there any disclosures regarding potential conflicts of interest. While the article attempts to contextualize the importance of coping with rejection, it falls short in explaining how the claims are substantiated, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the basis for the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-breakup-day
  2. https://www.vice.com/en/article/national-breakup-day-is-right-around-the-corner-will-you-be-a-victim/
  3. https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-handle-rejection
  4. https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/observances-2025/
  5. https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/02/21/the-importance-of-national-breakup-day