breakdown of relationships

Question 1

what is duck’s (1982) phase model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 1

• outlines 4 different phases people go through during the dissolution of a romantic relationships
• each phase is marked by one partner (or both) reaching a ‘threshold’, a point which their perception of the relationship changes (usually for the worse)
• process begins once a partner realises that they are dissatisfied and distressed about how things are going

Question 2

what is the intrapsychic phase?

Answer 2

• threshold, ‘I can’t stand this anymore’
• focus on cognitive processes occurring within the individual
• dissatisfied partner broods on the reasons for their dissatisfaction, entering on their partner’s inadequacies
• considers thoughts privately and may share with trusted friend
• considers pros and cons of relationship and evalutethese against alternatives (including being alone)

Question 3

what is the dyadic phase?

Answer 3

• threshold, ‘I would be justified in leaving’
• focus on interpersonal processes between the partners as this is where individuals will confront their partners to discuss their feelings, discontentment and the future of the relationship
• anger, guilt and hostility are likely to surface
• couples either commit to repairing the relationships (for sake of shared investments and costs, kids or finances) or remain determined to break up

Question 4

what is the social phase?

Answer 4

• threshold, ‘I mean it’
• focus on eider processes involving the couple’s social networks
• distress experienced by both partners becomes public, so it’s difficult for either partner to now deny any problems and bring about a reconciliation
• friends are often forced to choose sides, can offer support and advice or help mediate
• the breakdown usually takes on momentum driven by social forces

Question 5

what is the grave-dressing phase?

Answer 5

• threshold, ‘it’s now inevitable’
• focus on aftermath
• relationship is over and partners attempt to justify their actions
• publicly distribute their own versions of the reasons for the breakup
• each partner attempts to present themselves as trustworthy and loyal (attract future partners)
• also a reinterpretation of how their ex is viewed where qualities that were once attractive (rebellious) are now seen more negatively (irresponsible)

Question 6

what are the practical applications of duck’s phase model?

Answer 6

• relationship counselling helps identify stages of breakdown and also informs them of how to reverse it. based on duck’s model, a therapist can suggest different repair strategies for all different stages
• for example, to focus brooding in the intrapsychic phase on the sportive attributes of their partners
• such insights could be beneficial to partners, who may have otherwise ended their romantic relationship unnecessarily

Question 7

how can duck’s model be seen as being too simplistic?

Answer 7

• as a result, rollie and duck (2006) modified duck’s original model to introduce a fifth phase called the resurrection phase where partners reflect on the break up and uses experiences gained to prepare for future relationships
• agreed transitions through stages is not inevitable and it is possible to move back at any point
• original doesn’t account for the entire process and the dynamic nature of break ups with all their uncertainty and complexity

Question 8

why can duck’s model be criticised for suffering from culture bias?

Answer 8

• mostly western researchers who live in individualistic cultures like US, rather than collectivist cultures like India or china, the model may only explain relationship breakdown in this type of culture
• for example, in collectivist cultures relationships are often less easy to end, involve the wider family and are, in many cases arranged, it is unlikely the breakdown process is identical across cultures
• limited and not universal