Relationships - Duck's phase model

Question 1

what is the phase model of relationship breakdown

Answer 1

• stages that people go through when the relationship isn’t working

Question 2

what are the four stages

Answer 2

• intra psychic phase
• dyadic phase
• social phase
• grave dressing phase

Question 3

what is the intra psychic phase

Answer 3

• cognitive processes within the individual
• private thoughts
• weigh pros and cons of the relationship

Question 4

what is the dyadic phase

Answer 4

• interpersonal processes between the two partners
• confrontations where the relationship is discussed
• either continue to break up or fix the relationship

Question 5

what is the social phase

Answer 5

• break up is made public
• social groups involved
• mutual friends pick a side and gossip
• place blame on the partner

Question 6

what is the grave dressing phase

Answer 6

• spin a favourable story
• save face and maintain reputation

Question 7

what are the strengths of the model

Answer 7

Real world application
- people in intra psychic phase can be encouraged to focus worrying on positive aspects
- used in relationship counselling

Question 8

what are the limitations of the model

Answer 8

Duck and Rollie ( 2006)
- added 5th phase - resurrection stage
- ex partners apply experiences gained to future relationships
- possible to return to an earlier stage

• research is retrospective
• usually gained time after the breakup
• what they recall may be biased and not accurate