Dr Aswathy Gopi, Assistant Professor from the Department of Psychology, has authored a research paper titled Unveiling ‘Toxic’ Love: Conceptualizing Toxic Romantic Relationships within the Indian Context. Her paper explores how toxic romantic relationships develop and are experienced in India, she also offers important insights for mental health research and practice, while deepening our understanding of how unhealthy relationship dynamics emerge and persist
Brief Abstract :
Despite the popular use of the term “toxic” while addressing the high prevalence of abuse in Indian romantic relationships, the scientific literature on “toxic” relationships remains scarce and prompts a fundamental inquiry into the precise criteria by which a relationship qualifies as “toxic.” Using an exploratory approach, the present study aimed to conceptualize “toxic romantic relationships” based on semi-structured interviews of 48 young adults from India, recruited using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts offered a comprehensive view of toxic relationships across three facets, that is, healthy characteristics of a romantic relationship, unhealthy characteristics of a romantic relationship, and the subsequent negative impact on the individuals. It could be inferred that a romantic relationship can be regarded as “toxic” only when there is at least one unhealthy relationship characteristic present, the severity of which should be such that it has at least one negative impact on the individual(s) involved, regardless of whether there are healthy relationship characteristics present or not. The study offers insights that can inform educational programs, mental health interventions, and social policies to support individuals navigating such relationships, both within the Indian cultural context and beyond.
Explanation in layperson’s terms:
This study aims to understand what people in India mean when they call a romantic relationship “toxic”. Even though the word is often used casually, the study wanted to understand it more deeply. Interviews were conducted among 48 young adults from different states in South India to hear their views. Study found that a relationship can be called toxic when it has unhealthy behaviors or which they call unhealthy traits, such as control, possessiveness, disrespect, betrayal, abuse, ego clash, and poor communication, that can harm one or both partners and create tension and pain. Even if there are good qualities or which they call healthy traits including trust, respect, support, intimacy, commitment, and good communication. The study also showed how these unhealthy traits affect individuals when they are in a toxic relationship and how they often feel insecure, lonely, or distressed. It affects different aspects of their life including confidence, giving up personal and professional goals, or even struggling with health issues. Some people become reluctant to try new relationships because of past negative experiences. Importantly, since the study has been done in an Indian context, it adds more details about how family involvement, social expectations, caste, religion, and gender roles often shape relationships.
Practical Implementation and Social Implications:
This paper gives a culturally grounded framework for identifying toxic romantic relationships in the Indian context. The findings can be applied in education, counselling, and policy making. Mental health professionals can use these findings to recognize early warning signs and design interventions that account for cultural pressures like family honor, caste, and gender roles. Social organizations can draw on this framework to create awareness campaigns and support systems that address stigma around nontraditional relationships.
Collaborations and Future Research Plans:
Dr Aswathy is currently working on positive organisational health, with several research works under review in reputed high-impact journals. My research primarily explores organisational effectiveness and mental health outcomes across various populations. Additionally, I am collaborating with various IITs and Central Universities to conduct both primary and secondary research in this domain.
Link to the article