RELATIONSHIPS Ducks Phase Model

Question 1

What are the 4 distinct phases people go through when a relationship has ended

Answer 1

intra - psychic
dyadic
social
grave dressing

Question 2

Explain intra psychic phase (first stage)

Answer 2

focus is on cognitive processes occuring

dissatisfied partner broods on reason for his/her satisfaction

thinks about it privately

Question 3

whats the threshold for intra psychic phase

Answer 3

i cant stand this anymore - indicates determination that something has to change

Question 4

What is the first stage of ducks phase model?

Answer 4

Intra psychic phase

Question 5

What’s the second phase of ducks phase model ?

Answer 5

Dyadic phase

Question 6

Explain dyadic phase (second phase)

Answer 6

Focus is on interpersonal process between 2 partners - can’t avoid talking about relationship any longer

Two possible outcomes :
Determination to continue breaking up relationship
Renewed desire to repair it

Question 7

Threshold for dyadic stage

Answer 7

“I would be justified in withdrawing”

Question 8

Third stage of ducks phase model

Answer 8

Social phase

Question 9

Explain the social phase (third stage)

Answer 9

Focus is on wider processes involving couples social networks

Break up made public

Mutual friends are expected to choose a side

Usually the point of no return

Question 10

Threshold for social phase

Answer 10

Dissatisfied partner concludes “I mean it”

Question 11

What’s the fourth phase of ducks model?

Answer 11

Grave dressing phase

Question 12

Explain grace dressing phase (fourth phase)

Answer 12

Focus is on aftermath

“Spinning” a favourable story about the breakdown for public consumption - allowed l’atténuer to save face and show the partner in bad light

Each partner try to retain some social credit by blaming circumstances on partner or anyone by themselves

Also create personal story you can live with

Question 13

Threshold for grave dressing phase

Answer 13

Time to start a new life

Question 14

A03

- Can’t be applied to all age groups

Answer 14

Dickson + eens break up less serious but older = distressing and this close to couple put effort in bringing back together

Duck - nomothetic - general law break ups apply to everyone

Useful in old couple break ups, doesn’t accurately explain younger people

Question 15

A03

- Cultural Differences

Answer 15

Model based on individualist cultures where relationship voluntary however not the case for collectivist cultures where relationships arranged by fam so make relationship difficult to end therefore doesn’t follow ducks model

Claims universality however example of cultural bias seeking all behaviour through lens of western culture

Model doesn’t explain breakdown of relationship in all cultures

Question 16

A03

+ Real life application

Answer 16

Model influential in shaping couples counselling - advised strategies depending on phase currently in

Criticised because describes how relationships break down but not why - argue more important to examine reasons that cause break up in first place

Theory may be useful for couples on verge of break up but more useful to find out how to stop couples reaching this stage in the first place