Ghosting: Why People Disappear and the Psychology of Avoidance
Have you ever been ghosted? One day, you're talking to someone—maybe a friend, a romantic partner, or even a family member—and then, without warning, they vanish. No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence.
Ghosting is one of the most frustrating and confusing social behaviors, but it’s also one of the most common. In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores thepsychological reasons behind ghosting, uncovering why some people find it easier to disappear than to communicate.
✔The psychology of ghosting—why people cut off communication without warning
✔ Howavoidant attachment styles contribute to ghosting behavior
✔ Why ghosting triggersrejection sensitivity, rumination, and emotional pain
✔ The impact ofcognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957) on ghosters' justifications
✔ Howtechnology and dating apps make ghosting more common than ever
✔ Why social media makes ghostingeven more painful for the ghosted
✔ When ghosting is anact of self-preservation vs. emotional avoidance
✔ How to handle ghosting—both as the ghoster and the ghosted
Usingreal-world case studies, psychological theories, and personal anecdotes, this episode explores howattachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) andsocial learning theory (Bandura, 1977) explain why some people ghost repeatedly while others struggle to process the pain of being ghosted. You’ll also learn how the brain processessocial rejection (Eisenberger et al., 2003) and why it can feel just as painful as physical injury.
Ghosting isn’t just about avoidance—it’s about how wehandle emotional discomfort, conflict, and human connection. Whether you’ve been ghosted, ghosted someone, or simply want to understand this behavior better, this episode will help you navigate relationships withself-awareness, emotional intelligence, and healthier communication strategies.
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