Research on Ending Exchange Relationships: A Categorization, Assessment and Outlook

Abstract

This paper reviews and assesses previous research concerning the ending of exchange relationships. In recent years, the different aspects of ending, for instance exiting a relationship, switching relationships and the dissolution or termination of a relationship, have received increasing attention from researchers. Both the volume of published articles and the number of emerging theoretical approaches in the area have been growing. We welcome this development and wish to take part in it by providing an analytical overview of the state of this research. In a strongly evolving research area such a review is particularly needed in order to disseminate ideas across theoretical boundaries and to guide theory development. With regard to the 48 published articles on relationship ending, we will examine five major issues: the focus of research, its disciplinary background, terminology used, methodological approach and key findings. Avenues for future research are suggested on the basis of the analysis.