The Breakup Distress Scale for Adolescents: Validation of the Italian Version

Abstract

Breakup distress refers to the emotional suffering experienced after the end of a romantic relationship, a phenomenon particularly relevant during adolescence. However, few validated tools exist to assess breakup-related distress in this population. This study presents a validation of the Italian version of the Breakup Distress Scale (BDS) for adolescents through two studies. In Study 1, we adapted the adult’s version of the BDS for the adolescent population (BDS-A) testingits unidimensional structure through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in a sample of 164 adolescents. Findings supported the unidimensional structure, showing strong internal consistency and an acceptable model fit. In study 2, a revised scale (BDS-AR) was developed and administered to 323 youths using a 5-point Likert scale and adding time references to address the nuances of distress perception over time. Both studies confirm the validity of a single-factor structure for the BDS-AR in adolescents. Besides, the possibility to measure the level of stress in reference to two different periods after the breakup constitutes an improvement in the field of the post-break up stress measurement. In conclusion, the Italian BDS-AR offers a psychometrically sound tool for assessing breakup distress in adolescents. It facilitates early identification of at-risk youth and provides a solid foundation for future research on the longitudinal evolution of distress and its correlates in this developmental period.