Relationship Breakdown: Outline

Question 1

Breakdown:

Duck (1982)

Answer 1

when one partners becomes distressed with the way the relationship is conducted causing dissatisfaction

when he/she is no longer willing or able to stand this dissatisfaction, as break up may occur

Question 2

The INTRAPSYCHIC phase:

Answer 2

he/she broods over he relationship and considered whether they’re better off out of the relationship

they feel burdened by feelings of resentment and a sense of being under endured

they may not mention this to their partner but may express discontentment in other ways i.e. a diary

Question 3

The DYADIC phase:

Answer 3

individuals confront their partners and begin to discus their feelings of discontent and the future of the relationship

they feel guilt and anger

they may become aware of the force that bind them together (i.e. children/investments) and whether the relationship should be terminated

the relationship may be saved if both partners are motivated to resolve the issue and they may also seek marital therapy

Question 4

The SOCIAL phase:

Answer 4

their dissatisfaction spills over to a network of friends and family

the distress felt is now made public and also harder for them to subsequently bring about a reconciliation

it’s also harder for them to deny that theirs a problem

others my take sides, offer advice and support or even speed up the partners towards dissolution

Question 5

The GRAVE-DRESSING phase:

Answer 5

partners their to justify their actions and be deemed as trustworthy if they are to attract a new partners

they may try to present themselves in a good light to others showing that the failed relationship wasn’t due to them (‘social credit’)

partners may reinterpret their view of the partner i.e. labelling their ‘rebellious’ nature as now ‘irresponsible’