Relationship breakdown

Question 1

What are the 4 stages of a relationship breakdown

Answer 1

• Intra-psychic
• Dyadic
• Social
• Grave-dressing

Question 2

What did Duck (2007) argue

Answer 2

the ending of a relationship is not a one off event but a process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct phases

Question 3

In ducks model what is each phased marked with

Answer 3

One or both partners reaching a threshold a point at which the perception of the relationship changes

Question 4

When does a break up begin

Answer 4

one partner realises that they’re dissatisfied with the relationship and distressed about the way things are going

Question 5

What is the first phase of a relationship breakdown

Answer 5

Intra-psychic phase

Question 6

What does the intra-psychic phase focus on

Answer 6

Cognitive processes happening within the individual

Question 7

What does the partner consider in the intra-psychic phase

Answer 7

Reasons for their dissatisfaction

Question 8

What are the reasons for dissatisfaction in a relationship in the intra-psychic phase

Answer 8

Shortcomings of the other partner

Question 9

Who may the dissatisfied partner share their relationship issues with

Answer 9

trusted friend or think over it privately

Question 10

What does the dissatisfied partner think about in the intrapsychic phase

Answer 10

advantages and disadvantages of the relationship and evaluate them against the alternatives

Question 11

What is the 2nd phase of ducks model

Answer 11

Dyadic phase

Question 12

What does the dyadic phase focus on

Answer 12

interpersonal processes between the 2 partners

Question 13

What point have the couple reached at the dyadic phase

Answer 13

They can no longer avoid talking about their relationship

Question 14

What does the dyadic phase result in

Answer 14

Number of confrontations over time, in which the relationship is discussed and dissatisfactions are raised

Question 15

What are some characteristics of dissatisfaction in a relationship

Answer 15

anxiety
hostility 
lack of equity
resentment over balance of roles
rethinking of commitment

Question 16

What are the 2 possible outcomes when coming out of the dyadic phase

Answer 16

Staying together

breaking up

Question 17

What happens when the couple decide to break up with the relationship

Answer 17

third phase begins (social phase)

Question 18

What does the social phase involve

Answer 18

Couples social network, breakup is public

Question 19

What will partners seek from their friends in the social phase

Answer 19

Support and forge packs

Question 20

What happens to mutual friends in the social phase

Answer 20

They’re expected to choose sides, factions formed and gossip encouraged

Question 21

What can some friends do in the social phase

Answer 21

• Provide reinforcement and reassurance
• judgement and blame
• hasten the end of the relationship by providing secret information

Question 22

Can a relationship be repaired after the social phase

Answer 22

It’s usually the point of no return

Question 23

What is the relationship driven by in the social phase

Answer 23

Social factors

Question 24

What is the 4th phase of a relationship breakdown

Answer 24

aftermath of a breakup both partners try and argue a favourable story about the breakup

Question 25

Why does each partner try and argue a favourable story of a break up

Answer 25

Allows them to maintain a positive reputation at the expense of the other partner

Question 26

How does gossip play in the grave dressing phase

Answer 26

Each partner tries to retain social credit by blaming former partner

Question 27

What does the grave dressing phase involve

Answer 27

tidying up memories of the relationship resulting in a degree of rewriting history