Breakdown

Question 1

Name the 3 reasons Duck came up with to explain the breakdown of relationships

Answer 1

1) Lack of skills
2) Lack of stimulation
3) Maintenance difficulties

Question 2

Further explain lack of skills as a reason for the breakdown of relationships

Answer 2

Lack of interpersonal skills and social skills so poor conversationalists and poor at indicating their interest

Question 3

Further explain lack of stimulation as a reason for the breakdown of relationships

Answer 3

The social exchange theory states that we look for rewards in relationships, and one is stimulation

Question 4

Further explain maintenance difficulties as a reason for the breakdown of relationships

Answer 4

Partners cannot see each other enough so the relationship becomes strained

Question 5

Name the main model for the breakdown of relationships

Answer 5

Rollie & Duck’s model (2006)

Question 6

What does Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown do?

Answer 6

It describes the stages which people go through when they realise they’re unhappy in their relationship

Question 7

How many stages are there to Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 7

5

Question 8

Name the stages of Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 8

1) Intrapsychic processes
2) Dyadic processes
3) Social processes
4) Grave dressing processes
5) Resurrection processes

Question 9

Outline the intrapsychic processes with 6 points

Answer 9

1) One partner privately perceives dissatisfaction with the relationship
2) Rumination occurs - consider the rewards and costs of leaving the relationship
3) May look for alternative partners
4) Say nothing but often make hints and indirect communication of unhappiness
5) May end it without discussing
6) Re-evaluate the relationship

Question 10

Outline the dyadic processes with 4 points

Answer 10

1) Dissatisfaction is discussed
2) Relationship can be saved if it is re-negotiated
3) Others may be involved for advice or support
4) May be terminated

Question 11

Outline the social processes with 3 points

Answer 11

1) Close social network are aware of the situation
2) Negotiation over assets, children and finances
3) Some support can be helpful but may also take sides

Question 12

Outline the grave dressing processes with 3 points

Answer 12

1) Post-relationship view of the breakup is established
2) Will often put themselves in the best possible light
3) May suggest they are pleased the relationship has been terminated

Question 13

Outline the resurrection processes with 3 points

Answer 13

1) Prepare themselves for new relationships
2) May redefine themselves
3) May attempt to re-establish their own individual sense of identity and self-esteem

Question 14

Name 3 positive evaluative points about Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 14

1) Tashiro & Frazier (2003)
2) Face validity as we can relate to our own and others experiences
3) Ideas can be used for marriage counselling

Question 15

Outline Tashiro & Frazier (2003)

Answer 15

Surveyed undergraduates recently broken up - typically reported that they had experienced emotional distress and personal growth, given them insights into themselves and clearer idea about future

Question 16

Name 6 negative evaluative points about Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 16

1) Culturally bias - based on Western relationship (arranged marriages?)
2) Gender differences
3) Individual differences
4) Research is socially sensitive
5) Model is descriptive rather than explanatory so also important to consider reasons for relationship breakdowns
6) Ethics

Question 17

Explain the gender differences associated with Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 17

Kassin found women are more likely to stress unhappiness and incompatibility as reasons for breakup while men tend to blame lack of sex - women want to remain friends while men want a clean break - model does not consider these differences

Question 18

What does the research being socially sensitive mean for Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 18

The research is subject to biases so it has low validity

Question 19

Explain the ethical issues of Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 19

It is a sensitive area raising issues of vulnerability with distressed caused, privacy and confidentiality - even more important with those involved in abusive relationships

Question 20

Name and explain an IDA point for Rollie & Duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 20

Couples coping enhancement training (CCET) come from this research - aims to sensitise couples to issues of equity and respect within relationship by increasing communication - Cina (2003) compared 50 couples who received CCET to control group and found they reported much higher marital quality after