Ducks theory Flashcards
What is Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown
-Argued that the ending of a relationship is not a one- off event but a process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct phase
- Each phase is marked by one partner (or both) reaching a ‘threshold’ - a point at which their perception of the relationship changes/ worsens.
-the break-up begins once a partner realises they are dissatisfied and distressed about the way things are going
What are the 4 phases of relationship breakdown
- Intraspychic phase
- Dyadic phase
- Social phase
- Grave dressing phase
What is the intrapsychic phase?
The focus of this phase is on cognitive processes occurring within the individual. The dissatisfied partner worries about the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction, centring mostly on their partner’s shortcomings.
- The partner mulls their thoughts over privately,
What is the dyadic phase?
The focus here is on interpersonal processes between the two partners. There comes a point when they cannot avoid talking about their relationship any longer. There Is a series of confrontations in which the relationship is discussed and dissatisfactions are aired.
- there is an increase in self disclosure as discuss complaints about lack of equity, resentment over imbalanced roles and a rethinking of the commitment that kept the partners together.
- this can either lead to the desire of the relationship being broken down or repaired
What is the social phase
The focus is now on wider processes involving the couple’s social networks. The break-up is made public. Partners will seek support and try to forge pacts. Mutual friends find they are expected to choose a side.
- Some friends provide reinforcement and reassurance
- Some may hasten the end of the relationship by providing previously secret information
What is the grave dressing phase
The focus of this phase is on the aftermath. Once the relationship is dead, the time comes to bury it, by ‘spinning’ a favourable story about the breakdown for public consumption. This allows the partners to save face and maintain a positive reputation, usually at the expense of the other partner, showing them in a bad light.
- Also involves creating a personal story you can live with, which may differ from the public one. This Is more to do with tidying up memories of the relatlonship, with a certain degree of rewriting of history.
What is strength of Duck’s theory regarding research to support?
P: Suggests how relationship breakdown can be reversed.
EE: The model is useful as it gives repair strategies to help save the relationship. For example, Duck (1994) encourages people to focus their worrying on the positive aspects of their partner.
L: These insights can be used in relation counselling to help people
through difficult times
What is weakness of Duck’s theory regarding it not being useful in all cultures?
P: The model cannot be applied to collectivist cultures.
EE: The model is based on research into relationship breakdown in individualist cultures, especially the US. Moghaddam (1993) explains that divorce in these relationships are more common than in
collectivist cultures which involves the wider family.
L: Illustrating how relationship breakdown differs in different cultural context.
What is weakness of Duck’s theory regarding it being an incomplete model
P: The model is an incomplete explanation of breakdown.
EE : There is a 5th phase, the resurrection phase introduced by Rollie and Duck (2006). Where ex-partners apply to future relationships the experience gained from recently ended-ones.
L: Therefore the model does not account for the complexity of breakdown of relationships.
What is weakness of Duck’s theory regarding it being a description not an explanation?
P: It focuses on what happens rather than looking at why.
EE: Felmlee (1995) however does give an explanation for breakdown and suggests sometimes it can be the trait that led to initial attraction that is later seen undesirable (i.e. humour can become silliness)
L: The model does not look at what causes the breakdown.
