relationships: Ducks phase model.

Question 1

define the phase model of relationship breakdown

Answer 1

an explanation of the stages people go through when there relationship is not working.

once one partner is dissatisfied there are four phases in the process each with different focuses.

Question 2

what did ‘Duck’ argue

Answer 2

the ending of a relationship is not a one-off event but a process that takes time and goes through four distinct stages

Question 3

what is each phases characterised by

Answer 3

a partner reaching a threshold where their perception of the relationship changes.

Question 4

what are the 4 phases

Answer 4

intra psychic phase

dyadic phase

social phase

grave dressing phase

Question 5

define the intra psychic phase

Answer 5

Threshold – ‘I can’t stand this anymore’,

focus is on a cognitive processes occurring within the person.

dissatisfied partner worries about reasons for dissatifaction.

highs up pros and cons.
evaluated these against alternatives..

Question 6

define the dyadic phase

Answer 6

threshold - I would be justified in withdrawing’.

interpersonal process between partners.

can no longer avoid talking and series of confrontations arise.

relationship discussed and dissatisfaction is aired.

Question 7

what is there dyadic phase characterised by

Answer 7

anxiety, hostility, lack of equity and complaints.

Question 8

what are the two possible outcomes of dyadic phase.

Answer 8

determination to continue breaking up.
renewed desire to repair it.

ironically self disclosure may deepen in this phase.

Question 9

define the social phase

Answer 9

Threshold – the dissatisfied partner concludes ‘I mean it’.

focus now on wider processes involving the couples social networks.

break up made public. mutual friends expected to take a side.

point of no return.

Question 10

define grave dressing phase.

Answer 10

Threshold – ‘It’s now inevitable’.

focus on aftermath.

favourable story is spun about breakup for public

The dissatisfied partner finally reaches the threshold, ‘Time to get a new life.’

Question 11

One strength of Duck’s phase model

Answer 11

real world application

suggests that some repair strategies might be more effective at one stage of relationship breakdown rather than another.

example: intra-psychic stage partners could be encouraged to focus their worrying on the positive aspects of their partner.

Question 12

One limitation of the model

Answer 12

incomplete.

Rollie and Duck (2006) added a fifth phase, the resurrection phase,

Rollie and Duck (2006) added a fifth phase, the resurrection phase,

researchers also argue that partners may return to earlier phases at any point