Relationship Breakdown Flashcards
Explain what is meant by the term “Breakdown”
- The first phase of Ducks model of relationship breakdown
- one partner may be distressed with the way the relationship is
- dissatisfaction with the relationship
Explain what is meant by the term “ the intrapsychic phase”
- Partner will consider whether they are better off out of this relationship
- Individual feels burdened by resentment and a sense of being under benefited
- Individual may not say nothing to partner about their dissatisfaction and will express in different ways like social withdrawal
“Explain what is meant by the term “ The Dyadic Phase”
- Individuals confront their partners
- Uncertainty, anxiety, hostility, complaints
- Discussion of discontents
- Both partners will talk about their feeling ‘our relationship’ ; equity roles and the benefits and costs of staying or leaving the relationship
- Reassessment of goals, possibilities, commitments, this is the point where many couples seek marital therapy
Explain what is meant by the term “ The Social Phase”
- Going public, support seeking from third parties I.e friends or family
- Others may take sides, offer advice and support, or may help in mending any disputes between the two sides.
- The involvement of others may even speed the partners towards dissolution through revelations about one or other of the partners’ behaviour.
Explain what is meant by the term “ The Grave Dressing Phase”
- Partners attempt to justify their actions and just present themselves to others as a being trustworthy and loyal - if they want to attract a new partner
- Partners construct a representation of the failed relationship that doesn’t show a negative light on themselves > saving face
- Stories prepared for different audiences and individuals may also reinterpret their view of their partner
(AO3)
What is a weakness of Duck’s 1982 model?
P: Failed to reflect the possibility of personal growth
E: New model introducing “resurrection process” is an opportunity to move away from distress and engage in personal growth
E: Evidence from a survey of 92 undergraduates (Tashiro and Frazier)
(AO3)
Does age affect the social phase of a relationship?
P: Duck = nature and impact of social phase may be based on the sort of relationship
E: Teenager relationships seen as stepping stone for future relationship = “more fish in the sea” less likely to save it. Older people in long term relationships = less likely to find a replacement for partner so more support during social phase
E: Suggests for older people there will be more attempts by others to rescue the current relationship
(AO3)
What is a strength of the research support for Ducks model?
P: Research support for grave dressing phase in dealing with the after effects of relationship breakdown
E: Monroe (1999) students end of a relationship = greater risk of depression. However Tashiro and Frazier (2003) students = better, when they look at the situation being responsible for break up not their own flaws
E: grave dressing allows one to make up their own stories so doesn’t threaten psychological well being
(AO3)
Are there ethical issues with carrying out research?
P: Ethical issues in research
1)Vulnerabilities
2)Privacy
3)Confidentiality (particularly for victims of abuse)
E: Benefits must outweigh the costs. This is difficult when dealing with vulnerable individuals attempting to cope with the trauma and emotional distress associated with a relationship breakup
E: Psychologists must ask themselves, therefore, whether they truly have the interests of the participants in mind when exploring research question
(AO3)
How is Ducks model applicable to the real world?
P: Real world application = shows importance of communication in relationship breakdown
E: Intrapsychic phase - repair = seeing partner is a more positive light
Social phase - repair = people outside the relationship helping partners to match up their differences.
E: Suggests clues through communication at different stages provide opportunities for friends and family to provide appropriate support to prevent the relationship breaking up
