Relationship breakdown Flashcards
What are the 4 stages of a relationship breakdown
- Intra-psychic
- Dyadic
- Social
- Grave-dressing
What did Duck (2007) argue
the ending of a relationship is not a one off event but a process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct phases
In ducks model what is each phased marked with
One or both partners reaching a threshold a point at which the perception of the relationship changes
When does a break up begin
one partner realises that they’re dissatisfied with the relationship and distressed about the way things are going
What is the first phase of a relationship breakdown
Intra-psychic phase
What does the intra-psychic phase focus on
Cognitive processes happening within the individual
What does the partner consider in the intra-psychic phase
Reasons for their dissatisfaction
What are the reasons for dissatisfaction in a relationship in the intra-psychic phase
Shortcomings of the other partner
Who may the dissatisfied partner share their relationship issues with
trusted friend or think over it privately
What does the dissatisfied partner think about in the intrapsychic phase
advantages and disadvantages of the relationship and evaluate them against the alternatives
What is the 2nd phase of ducks model
Dyadic phase
What does the dyadic phase focus on
interpersonal processes between the 2 partners
What point have the couple reached at the dyadic phase
They can no longer avoid talking about their relationship
What does the dyadic phase result in
Number of confrontations over time, in which the relationship is discussed and dissatisfactions are raised
What are some characteristics of dissatisfaction in a relationship
anxiety hostility lack of equity resentment over balance of roles rethinking of commitment
What are the 2 possible outcomes when coming out of the dyadic phase
Staying together
breaking up
What happens when the couple decide to break up with the relationship
third phase begins (social phase)
What does the social phase involve
Couples social network, breakup is public
What will partners seek from their friends in the social phase
Support and forge packs
What happens to mutual friends in the social phase
They’re expected to choose sides, factions formed and gossip encouraged
What can some friends do in the social phase
- Provide reinforcement and reassurance
- judgement and blame
- hasten the end of the relationship by providing secret information
Can a relationship be repaired after the social phase
It’s usually the point of no return
What is the relationship driven by in the social phase
Social factors
What is the 4th phase of a relationship breakdown
aftermath of a breakup both partners try and argue a favourable story about the breakup
Why does each partner try and argue a favourable story of a break up
Allows them to maintain a positive reputation at the expense of the other partner
How does gossip play in the grave dressing phase
Each partner tries to retain social credit by blaming former partner
What does the grave dressing phase involve
tidying up memories of the relationship resulting in a degree of rewriting history
