Does low self-esteem predict lower wellbeing following relationship dissolution?

People low in self-esteem are likely more vulnerable to the wellbeing costs of relationship dissolution. Yet, several methodological limitations may mean that prior studies have overestimated such vulnerability. Overcoming limitations, we apply propensity score matching (PSM) compare later matched samples who experienced a dissolution over past year ( N = 1,333) versus remained romantic 1,333). Controlling for pre-dissolution wellbeing, people reported lower compared relationship. Although this pattern was pronounced initially self-esteem, relative effects were small. Using PSM provide stringent tests reveals general resilience when experiencing and indicates vulnerability be smaller than assumed. Acknowledging strengths approach, consider theoretical implications.