Duck

Question 1

Practical application:

Answer 1

-One strength of Duck’s model is it shows that breakdown is not just a
sudden event but a process, thus the model has a useful practical application.
-The model is useful as it can suggests ways in which relationship breakdown can be reversed and
recognises that different repair strategies are more effective at some points in the breakdown
than others.
-For example, Duck recommends people in the intra-psychic phase partners could be encouraged to focus their worrying on the positive aspects of their partner in an aim to re-establish their liking for them. -Such strategies demonstrate how the model has real-life application to relationship counselling and can be used successfully to help couples
contemplating break-up to improve their relationships and stay together.

Question 2

Cultural bias:

Answer 2

-One significant issue with Duck’s model is that the model, and the majority of research it is based on, is the product of experiences of relationships in individualistic cultures.
-Moghaddam et al (1993) suggests that the model is a reasonable representation of the process of breakdown in individualistic cultures where relationships in the main are voluntary and frequently end. -However, the model does not represent what occurs in collectivist
cultures, where relationships may be arranged, involve the wider family or be much harder to
end.
-This is an example of an imposed etic, thus suggesting it is very unlikely that the process of breakdown is universal therefore undermining the model as an accurate description of all
relationship breakdowns.

Question 3

Individual differences in relationships:

Answer 3

-limitation of Duck’s theory of breakdown is that it does not account for the individual experiences of the same phase
-For instance, it has been
suggested the impact of the social phase depends on the sort of relationship that is involved.
-e.g., young adult romantic relationships may be perceived as more unstable than long-term older adult relationships; as a result there may be little support for reconciliation offered by friends or family, whereas older people may experience a greater intensity of
others trying to help the couple work things out.
-Dickson (1995) suggested others may view the romantic relationships of young as a testing ground for ‘more serious’ relationships; and
view older adults as having ‘more to fight for’ and less chance of being able to find a replacement partner. -Therefore, Duck’s theory can be undermined as it does not take into
account the type of relationship that is breaking down.