Lesson 8 - ToRR: Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown

Question 1

What is Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 1

Duck’s model outlines the process in which a relationship breaks down through three phases:

• The intrapsychic phase
• The dyadic phase
• The social phase
• The grave dressing phase

(After criticism of this theory, a 5th phase was added by Rollie in 2006, the Resurrection phase)

Question 2

Intrapsychic phase

Answer 2

Characterised by the dissatisfied person thinking to themselves about the shortcomings of their relationship and the fact that they are under-benefitting. They may withdraw and re-evaluate their relationship.

Question 3

Dyadic phase

Answer 3

This is the phase where the dissatisfied person discloses their worries to their partner and communicates their problems of inequity. They think carefully about their investments, like their house and children perhaps. There may be some reconciliation if the other partner promises to change their behaviour for the better of their relationship, possibly through marital therapy. Or, they break up.

Question 4

Social phase

Answer 4

After the breakup is completed privately, it is revealed to friends and family. Advice and support are given to the two partners, and alliances are made. This can include scapegoating and criticising the other partner. In younger couples, they may happen more frequently than in older couples, who, if their relationship breaks down, may struggle to find another partner.

Question 5

Grave Dressing phase

Answer 5

There is need to mourn and justify the actions of the relationship. We need to create an account of the relationship and why is broke down the way it did. This is to ensure that one’s social credit remains high. There may be some exaggeration or even fabrication, and stories may be told of betrayal. Different versions of stories may come out to different people.

Question 6

Strengths of Duck’s theory of relationship breakdown

Answer 6

• Despite the model being devised in 1982 and it having a lack of temporal validity, Rollie in 2006 introduced a fifth stage, the ‘Resurrection stage’ which outlines how each partner will get over their previous relationship and engages in growth and pursues someone else. Frazier (2003) studied 92 undergrad students who had experienced a break up and found evidence of emotional turmoil, but also subsequent growth.
• It is also supported by Social Exchange Theory by Kelley. you can analyse this theory from the economic perspective of rewards and costs, as in, if your relationship has high costs and minimal rewards, it is no longer worth you continuing and would probably breakdown and end.

Question 7

Weaknesses of Duck’s theory of relationship breakdown

Answer 7

• Akert (1998) criticised the model as he found that the role that each partner had in deciding the breakup was the most important predictor of their experience. If you were the one to initiate it, you are likely to be less stressed out and lonely than if you did not initiate it. If you were the one who got broken up with, you are more lily to be miserable, lonely and upset.
• Duck’s model ignores gender differences. Kassin (1996) found evidence that females emphasise unhappiness, lack of emotional support and incompatibility as reasons for breaking up. However, males state that lack of sex/fun are reasons for breakdown. Females would rather stay friends with their partner, whereas men would rather cut things off cleanly.
• Duck’s model is viewed as quite reductionist, as it reduces the complex phenomenon of a relationship breakdown into 4/5 different steps. In the real world, it is more nuanced, and relationships may follow a cycle of making up and breaking up without being linear. It can also be unpredictable.