Duck's phase model Flashcards
Breakdown is a process
Duck (2007) proposed a phase model of relationship breakdown
He argued that the ending of a relationship is not a one-off event but a process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct phases
Each phase has a threshold
Each phase is characterised by one partner reaching a threshold where their perception of the relationship changes
This dissatisfied partner may reassess and decide the relationship isn’t so bad, halting the process of breakdown
Or they cross a threshold and move onto the next stage
Phase 1: Intra-psychic phase
Threshold - ‘I can’t stand this anymore’, indicating a determination that something has to change
A partner becomes dissatisfied with the relationship in its current form. They then worry about the reasons for this and will usually focus on their partner’s shortcomings - cognitive based
The dissatisfied partner tends to keep this to themselves but may share their thoughts with a friend, weighing up the pros and cons of continuing
Phase 2: Dyadic phase
Threshold - ‘I would be justified in withdrawing’
Once a partner concludes they are justified in ending the relationship they have to discuss this with their partner. Dissatisfactions about equity, commitment, etc. are aired
Self-disclosures may be more frequent as partners feel they can reveal true feelings
Phase 3: Social phase
Threshold - the dissatisfied partner concludes, ‘I mean it’
Once a partner wants to end the relationship they will seek support particularly from joint friends
These friends may choose a side but others may try and prevent the break-up by acting as a go-between
Once the news is public though this is usually the point of no return
Phase 4: Grave dressing phase
Threshold - ‘It’s now inevitable’
Once the end becomes inevitable then a suitable story of the relationship and its end is prepared for wider consumption
This is likely to include an attempt to ensure that the story teller will be judged most favourably
This creation of a personal story in addition to the public one is necessary so the partner can ‘move on’
Final threshold - ‘Time to get a new life’
Evaluation + RLA
+ The model suggests that some repair strategies might be more effective at one stage of relationship breakdown rather than another
+
Evaluation - Culture bound
Evaluation - Incomplete model
Evaluation - Early phases less well explained
Evaluation - Description rather than explanation
