The present study investigated relationship variables related to unwanted pursuit post dissolution of a romantic relationship. Online surveys were administered to 277 undergraduate and graduate students from a large southeastern university. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed levels of idealization, satisfaction, perceptions of alternatives to the relationship, investment size, commitment, and unwanted pursuit. These variables are often essential in romantic involvements, and contribute greatly to the continuation of a relationship. Additional measures of attachment, self-esteem, neuroticism, and jealousy were included to control for their potential effect on pursuit. The sample consisted of individuals who engaged in the pursuit of a former partner after their romantic relationship ended. Although it was predicted that individuals would be more likely to pursue if they reported higher levels of idealization, satisfaction, investments, and commitment while the relationship was intact, results did not yield support. However, as predicted, there was a negative correlation between relationship alternatives and pursuit, such that pursuers who believed they had fewer alternatives to the relationship were more likely to engage in unwanted pursuit behaviors
