Model Of Relationship Dissolution

Question 0

What did Duck say about relationship breakup?

Answer 0

Said the dissolution of a relationship is not simply an event that occurs and two partners react. Instead it is a long term psychological process.

Question 1

Main man?

Answer 1

Duck 1988

Question 2

Intrapsychic Phase

Answer 2

Person broods on the relationship being unsatisfactory in some way. The other person does not know the one person is unhappy. People vent about things such as habits, feeling trapped, a sense of injustice or hopelessness.
Venting may be adequate to relieve the negative feelings but if it isn’t it proceeds to the next step.
Occurs in most relationships

Question 3

Dyadic Phase

Answer 3

Couple is confronted by the dissatisfaction experienced so the pair must discuss and evaluate it.
The discussions might be constructive or unpleasant.
The couple discusses their next steps at this stage.

Question 4

Social Phase

Answer 4

The couple consults with friends, colleagues and family, gathering opinions an wisdom on the matter.
Breakdown becomes a social event and official.
As soon as people know they are broken up each person is available.

Question 5

Grave Dressing Phase

Answer 5

Important and under recognised feature of the breakup of a relationship.
People need to justify themselves and make sure they are shown in a favourable light.
Accounts usually say the breakup was inevitable and mutually agreed.