Duck's phase model

Question 1

What are the 4 phases of a relationship breakdown ?

Answer 1

• Intrapsychic
• Dyadic
• Social
• Grave-dressing phase

Question 2

What is the intrapsychic stage ?

Answer 2

• ‘I can’t stand this anymore’
• Individuals feel burdened by resentment and under-benefit fro, the relationship
• May not express dissatisfaction during this time
• Express discontent privately or via social withdrawl

Question 3

What is the dyadic phase ?

Answer 3

• ‘I would be justified in withdrawing’
• Confronting their partner
• Guilt and anger begin to surface
• Awareness of investment are apparent
• Pivotal point - potential motivation to save relationship

Question 4

What is the social phase ?

Answer 4

• ‘I mean it’
• Crucial psychological moment
• Dissatisfaction is made public
• Tell social networks the gossip (friends and family)
• Reconciliation is now difficult

Question 5

What is the grave-dressing phase ?

Answer 5

-‘It’s inevitable that it’s over’
- Focus on the aftermath of the breakdown
- ‘spin’ the end to make it more palatable for gossip
- Create a personal story that you can live with
- Retains social credit
- Reinterpret certain relationship features

Question 6

What are the strengths of Duck Phase model ?

Answer 6

Application to relationship counselling:
- Couples go to therapy at phase 2 to help repair
- Helps improve the communication
- Someone more objective than friends who gossip

Question 13

Limitation

Answer 13

An incomplete model: 5th Stage
- Rollie
- The resurrection phase
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