relationship breakdown Flashcards
The phases of Duck’s model of relationship breakdown
The intrapyschic phase
The dyadic phase
The social phase
The grave-dressing phase
The intrapsychic phase
A brooding focus on the partners faults and relational costs. The individual feels burdened by feelings of resentment and a sense of being under-benefitted.
May express discontentment in other ways i.e. in a personal diary entry.
The dyadic phase
Individuals confront their partners and begin to discuss their feelings, and the future of the relationship.
Talks about relationship and roles; the forces that bind them together i.e. children and the costs that would be incurred i.e. the economic costs should the relationship be terminated.
The relationship might be saved if both partners are motivated to resolve the issues. Alternatively….
The social phase
The distress experienced by one or both partners is now made public. Others may take sides, offer advice and support, or may help in mending any disputes.
The grave-dressing phrase
Partners attempt to justify their actions, having left the relationship. They strive to construct a representation of the failed relationship that does not paint their contribution to it in unfavourable terms.
Individuals may also strategically reinterpret their view of their partner.
Evaluation points
High face validity.
Fails to reflect the possibility of growth; resurrection.
Benefits of the grave-dressing phase.
High face validity
High face validity; resonates with a wide audience making it relatable to most people. Provides valuable insights into the challenges couples encounter in relationships and offers guidance on potential methods to repair them.
Stresses the importance of communication in relationship breakdown, notably in the dyadic phase. - the focus on communication aligns well with real life application; it enhances the perceived accuracy of the theory and practical relevance.
Fails to reflect the possibility of growth; resurrection
Fails to reflect the possibility of personal growth. He personally acknowledges that his model had failed to reflect the possibility of growth following breakdown and thereby introduced a ew model with a final phase of ‘resurrection’ Rollie and Duck 2006.
This phase offers a chance to move past the emotional distress associated with ending a relationship and embark on personal development
Research support for new phase
Tusuiro and Frazier 2003 surveyed 92 undergraduate students who had recently gone through a breakup. Respondents typically reported that they had not only experienced emotional distress but also personal growth.
Benefits of the grave-dressing phase
Research support for the grave-dressing phase in dealing with the after-effects of relationship breakdown.
Monroe’s study discovered that students undergoing their first romantic breakup faced an increased risk of developing depression.
It empowers an individual to construct their own narrative of the breakup and so not threaten their psychological well-being.
