Relationships 2

Question 1

Intro (Formation)

Answer 1

One theory is the filter model. The filter model argues that relationships develop through these 3 ‘filters’ where different factors are important at different times. Kerckhoff and Davis referred to a persons ‘field of availables’ as possible people we could have a relationship with. They then argued that we ‘filter out’ potential partners and eventually our field of availables is narrowed down into the smaller ‘field of desirables’. Therefore there is a small selection of people who make up this field from which our potential partners are chosen from.

Question 2

Intro (Breakdown)

Answer 2

One behavioural approach is the reward need satisfaction theory. It suggests that a relationship will breakdown if they don’t meet our needs and we therefore don’t find spending time with that person rewarding. Operant conditioning would suggest that we would no longer be motivated to continue with the behaviour of being in the relationship and spending time with that person. Similarly, if somebody needs change and the partner doesn’t meet them, then the relationship may break down.

Question 3

2nd paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 3

Floyd et al found that commitment develops when couples are satisfied and feel rewarded in a relationship. This therefore supports the theory as it suggests if a person is no longer feeling rewarded in the relationship, they will not commit and the relationship will breakdown.

Question 4

3rd paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 4

Aron et al found that people who reported that they were ‘in love’ showed strong activity in the reward centres of the brain. This provides biological support for the idea that relationships are linked with reward and therefore if we do not feel rewarded, it will breakdown.

Question 5

4th paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 5

Another theory is Duck’s theory of relationship dissolution. Duck believes that the official reasons given for breaking up differ from the real reasons for the break up. He believes that while dissolution is a personal process, it is also one where partners consider how things will look to friends and social networks. This is because they need to leave the relationship being perceived favourably for potential partners.

Question 6

5th paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 6

Duck suggests four phases which begin when one of the partners has become sufficiently dissatisfied with the relationship to be seriously considering ending it:

1) INTRAPSYCHIC - one partner privately perceives dissatisfaction.
2) DYADIC - discussed with partner.
3) SOCIAL - if this isn’t sorted, breakdown is made public and negotiations begin.
4) GRAVE DRESSING - when a post-relationship view of the break up is established, protecting self-esteem and rebuilding life towards new relationships.

Question 7

6th paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 7

Tashiro&Frazier surveyed students whose relationships had recently broken down. They reported to have experienced emotional distress as well as personal growth, stating that these breakdowns had given them a clearer idea about future relationships. This provides evidence for the grave dressing stage.

Question 8

7th paragraph (breakdown)

Answer 8

Practical applications - relationship counselling. Assessing which stage a couple is in can help to identify what steps should be taken to save the relationship. Appropriate interventions can then be used.

Culturally biased - many collectivist non-western cultures have arranged marriages which are generally regarded as permanent. Marital crises of these relationships are also seen as the concern of the entire family, not just the couple. Therefore, this model may not apply to non- western relationships.