RELATIONSHIPS - theories of romantic relationships : Duck's phase model

Question 1

explain the general idea of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 1

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

When partner is dissatisfied = they go through the 4 process = Intra-psychic , dyadic phase, Social phase, grave dressing phase

Question 2

Explain the intra psychic phase. (PERSONAL THINKING/BROODING)

Answer 2

• cognitive processes occurring within the individual
• dissatisfied person worried about the reasons of their dissatisfaction
• thoughts shared w/ friend
• pros + cones made = evaluation = plans made for future

THRESHOLD = ‘ i cant stand this anymore’ = indicating determination for a change

Question 3

Explain the dyadic phase. (DISCUSSION WITH PARTNER)

Answer 3

• series of confrontations with partner
• dissatisfactions are aired
• characterised by anxiety, hostility, complaints about lack of equity and resentment.

2 POSSIBLE OUTCOMES = BREAK UP or REPAIR
if repair/rescue attempt fails = threshold = ‘i would be justified in withdrawing’

Question 4

Explain the Social Phase. ( ISSUES MADE PUBLIC )

Answer 4

• partners will seek support and mutual friends will choose a side
• gossip is encouraged
• some friends may provide reassurance or secret information or help repair relationship.

Question 5

Explain the grave dressing phase. (SAVING FACE)

Answer 5

aftermath = favourable story is made about the breakdown for public consumption

LA GAIPA (1982) = it is crucial that each partner tries to retain some “social credit” by blaming circumstances on others.

• creating a personal story you can live with
  THRESHOLD = time to get a new life

Question 6

give strengths of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 6

+ RWA= model suggests ways relationship breakdown can be reversed
Duck (1994) = feature of the dyadic phase is communication = so self disclosure and wider social skills can help benefit in fostering greater stability in the relationship.
= increases value of the model and can be used in relationship counselling to help people through difficult times.

Question 7

give limitations of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 7

• model is based on research in individualist cultures = Moghaddam et al (1993) = found that relationships in individualist countries frequently come to an end rather than in collectivist countries. Concepty of romantic relationships are different in different cultures = ducks model is not useful in all cultures
• INCOMPLETE MODEL = Duck and Rollie (2006) = added a fifth stage = resurrection phase = ex partners apply their experiences from recently ended one to future relationships.
• it is possible to return to an earlier point in any phase = OG model doesnt account for the complex and dynamic nature of the break down.
• EARLY PHASES LESS UNDERSTOOD = underexplains early phases of breakdown = research is retrospective so when ps recall they may not be accurate or reliable.
• recall of the intra-psychic phase may be distorted = model may not explain the early part of the breakdown process as well as later phases.