Echoes of Betrayal: Exploring Toxic Friendships among Indian Young Adults

Abstract: Friendships are conceptualized as relationships built on the foundations of companionship, mutuality, and reciprocity. Yet when they grow toxic, they can cause emotional distress. The present study aimed to investigate toxic behaviors within friendships. Thirty-six students (males=8, females=28) enrolled in undergraduate courses at the University of Delhi were recruited using purposive sampling. The method of focus group discussions (FGD) was used to collect data which was then analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Three main themes were found: red flags, psychological impact, and post beliefs. The findings suggest that toxic friendships emerge as a relational process marked by a sense of betrayal, manipulation, boundary violations, and exclusion. The impacts include emotional exhaustion, diminished self-worth, and identity disruptions. These experiences reshape individuals’ beliefs, fostering distrust and disengagement, although some exhibit adaptive coping. These findings highlight the need to address these patterns for their implications in clinical and social settings.