Chapter 13: The Dissolution and Loss of Relationships

Question 1

Reasons for Relationship Breakdowns

Answer 1

• Dissatisfaction can stem from constant conflict, inequality, waning passion, and unmet expectations.
• Multiple factors contribute, unique to each couple.

Question 2

Changing Divorce Rates

Answer 2

• Influenced by increased female workforce participation and changing gender roles.
• Individualism and reduced community ties contribute to lower social support.

Question 3

Perceptions and Acceptance of Divorce

Answer 3

• Shift towards individualistic culture.
• No-fault divorce laws increased social acceptability.

Question 4

Impact of Cohabitation

Answer 4

• Couples cohabiting before engagement face increased divorce risk.
• Cohabitation changes beliefs about marriage.

Question 5

Generational Influence on Divorce

Answer 5

• Children of divorced parents more likely to experience divorce.
• Learning relationship behaviors from parents contributes to the cycle.

Question 6

Social Network Influence on Divorce

Answer 6

• Increased likelihood with divorced friends or family.
• Social network dynamics shape attitudes toward divorce.

Question 7

Predictors of Divorce

Answer 7

• Barrier Model, Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Model, and longitudinal studies identify key predictors.
• Enduring dynamics, emergent distress, and disillusionment play roles.

Question 8

Insights from the PAIR Project

Answer 8

• Marriages destined for divorce exhibit lower initial love and higher negativity.
• Declines in romantic behavior predict divorce.

Question 9

Results from the Early Years of Marriage Project

Answer 9

• Notable racial differences in divorce rates.
• Factors influencing higher divorce rates among black couples.

Question 10

People’s Personal Perceptions of their Problems

Answer 10

• Influences on marital outcomes: cultural norms, personal contexts, and relational contexts.
• Socioeconomic status predicts divorce issues.

Question 11

Specific Predictors fo Divorce

Answer 11

• Variables include age at marriage, income, education, and combined risks’ compounding effects.
• Stability over time and applicability to diverse relationships are considerations.

Question 12

Breaking Up

Answer 12

• Divorces involve prolonged discontent and complex calculations.
• Partners initiate divorce when they believe they’ll be better off.

Question 13

The Rules of Relationships

Answer 13

• Leslie Baxter’s study identified eight common relationship rules.
• Men and women differ in their frequency of complaints.

Question 14

Breaking Up with Pre-Marital Partners

Answer 14

• Dissolution trajectories involve direct or indirect strategies.
• Attachment style influences breakup strategies.

Question 15

Steps to Divorce

Answer 15

• Divorce process characterized by ambivalence and vacillation.
• Dissolution stages: personal, dyadic, social, grave-dressing, and resurrection.

Question 16

Aftermath of Breakups

Answer 16

• Breakups, divorce, or death are among the most stressful life events.
• Nonmarital breakups can have a significant emotional impact.

Question 17

Post Dissolution Relationships

Answer 17

• Churning is associated with stress and lower relationship satisfaction.
• Breakups can be a transitional phase in an enduring relationship.

Question 18

Permanent Breakups

Answer 18

• Couples may remain friends temporarily after a permanent breakup.
• Maintaining contact may interfere with new romances.

Question 19

Getting Over It

Answer 19

• Adjustment process involves changes in self-concept, emotions, and healing.
• Emotional pain tends to be overestimated, healing occurs over time.

Question 20

Divorce is Different

Answer 20

• Divorce involves legal, financial, and emotional complexities.
• People exiting miserable marriages tend to feel better post-divorce.

Question 21

Adjustment After Divorce

Answer 21

• Economic and social networks are significantly impacted.
• Adjustment period varies, with some experiencing distress for years.

Question 22

Social Networks

Answer 22

• Divorce affects social networks, leading to loss of connections and tension.
• Interactions with ex-spouses contribute to post-divorce challenges.

Question 23

Environmental Impact of Divorce

Answer 23

• Divorce leads to increased resource consumption due to separate living spaces.
• Emphasizes the environmental impact.

Question 24

Economic Resources

Answer 24

• Women’s finances often deteriorate after divorce.
• Men’s incomes may improve, especially if they live alone.