RELATIONSHIPS ( MODEL OF R/SHIP BREAKDOWN)

Question 1

Outline duck’s model of relationship breakdown

Answer 1

a model of relationship breakdown that describes the different phases that people go through during the dissolution of romantic relationship

Question 2

Describe the Intra-psychic phase

Answer 2

Feelings of dissatisfaction lead to this phase , characterised by brooding focus on the relationship and a consideration of whether they might be better off out of this relationship. During this phase the individual may not say anything about their dissatisfaction to their partner but may express it in other ways eg. personal diary

Question 3

Describe the dyadic phase

Answer 3

An individual confronts their partner and discusses with them their feelings , their discontentment and future of the relationship. Couples may become aware of forces keeping them together (children) and the costs that would be incurred ( economic and social costs ) should the r/ship be terminated

Question 4

Describe the Social phase

Answer 4

Discontentment spills over to friends and family , as the distress experienced by one or both partners is made public. Others may take sides , offer advice and support , or may help in mending any disputes between the two sides.

Question 5

Describe the Grave dressing phase

Answer 5

Partners strive to construct a representation of the failed relationship that does not paint their contribution to it in unfavourable terms. At this point , individuals may also strategically reinterpret their view of the partner. For example they may have initially been attracted to their ‘rebellious’ nature , but now label that characteristic as ‘irresponsible’

Question 6

EVALUATE THIS MODEL

Answer 6

SUPPORT : Implications for interventions

The model is useful because it recognises that different repair strategies are more effective at particular points in the breakdown than others. If the relationship is in the first phase repair might involve re-evaluating the partner’s behaviour in a more positive light . This suggests that the clues individuals offer through their communication at different stages provide opportunities for friends and family to provide appropriate support to prevent the r/ship breaking up.

LIMITATION : Fails to reflect the possibility of personal growth

Duck introduced a new model in 2005 with a final phase ‘resurrection processes’ , this is an opportunity to move beyond the distress associated with the breakup and engage in personal growth. This suggests Duck’s first model failed to reflect the possibility of relational growth following breakdown

LIMITATION : Ethical issues in breakdown research

Carrying out research in this sensitive area raises particular issues of vulnerability , privacy and confidentiality for victims of an abusive relationship. A guiding principle in psychology is that the benefits of research must outweigh risks , especially for participants. It is particularly difficult issue when dealing with individuals attempting to cope with the trauma and stress associated with relationship breakdown