Exploring the Lived Experiences of Toxic Friendships Among University Students in Campus Social Networks: A Phenomenological Approach
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Abstract
Interpersonal relationships among university students represent a critical area within social and psychological sciences, particularly in understanding how peer dynamics influence emotional well-being. While friendships are generally seen as sources of support, emerging research reveals that toxic friendships—characterized by manipulation, exclusion, and emotional strain—are a significant yet understudied phenomenon in campus social environments. However, little is known about how students internally experience and interpret these harmful relationships, prompting the question: how do students make sense of toxic friendships within their peer networks? This study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of university students who have been involved in toxic friendships. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eight participants and analyzed thematically to identify core experiential themes. The findings reveal three dominant themes: emotional exhaustion from sustained relational harm, the paradox of performative belonging, and the emergence of self-agency through emotional detachment. These results highlight the emotional and cognitive processes through which students endure and eventually reclaim control over harmful social ties. The study expands our understanding of relational toxicity by uncovering meaning structures that are often hidden beneath social conformity. Importantly, the findings suggest practical implications for improving student well-being, as they may inform the development of targeted counseling programs, peer support initiatives, and preventive university policies aimed at reducing the impact of toxic friendships on mental health. These insights hold practical implications for student mental health services and suggest the need for future cross-cultural research into the evolving dynamics of toxic relationships in both physical and digital peer environments.
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