Breakdown

Question 1

What is the single theory of relationship breakdown?

Answer 1

Rollie and Duck’s model.

Question 2

Identify and outline the six stages of Rollie and Duck’s model.

Answer 2

1. Breakdown: increased desatisfaction.
2. Intra-psychic: Focus on faults, resentment and withdrawal increases.
3. Dyadic: Partners talk to each other about it.
4. Social: Break up made public.
5. Grave-dressing: Moving on occurs and relationship laid to rest.
6. Resurrection: Consideration of relationship’s social value as preparation for new relationships.

Question 3

Give two supporting studies for Rollie and Duck’s model of breakdown, as well as the stages they support.
Give a methodological problem shared by both studies.

Answer 3

Tashiro & Frazier (2003)
- Students reported feeling emotional distress, but also personal growth following a break-up. (Grave-dressing and resurrection).
Duck (2001)
- Following a break-up, individuals were likely to phrase stories as though they are open to new relationships. (Grave-dressing).
Both are retrospective and therefore unreliable.

Question 4

Give a negative IDA point concerning Rollie and Duck’s model of breakdown.

Answer 4

Cultural and individual differences
- 6 rigid stages are unlikely to be in line with every single relationship. Arranged marriages will certainly be different.