Theories: Duck's Phase Model

Question 1

What did Duck (2007) propose?

Answer 1

Phase model of relationship breakdown, ending a relationship is not a one-off event but a process that takes time and goes through four phases. Each phase is marked by one partner (or both) reaching a threshold and becoming distressed.

Question 2

What are the four phases?

Answer 2

• Intra-psychic
• Dyadic
• Social
• Grave dressing

Question 3

What is the Intra-psychic phase?

Answer 3

Threshold: “I can’t stand this anymore” indicating something has to change. Cognitive process occurring within the individual, focuses on partners shortcomings. Weighs up pros and cons and think privately or with a close friend.

Question 4

What is the Dyadic phase?

Answer 4

Threshold: “I would be justified in leaving”

The focus is on the interpersonal processes between the partners, cannot avoid talking about the relationship anymore. They confront and explain their dissatisfactions they either repair or end the relationship.

Question 5

What is the Social phase?

Answer 5

Threshold: Dissatisfied partner concludes “I mean it”.

Break up is made public and mutual friends choose their sides. Some friends provide reassurance and encouragement. Point of no return- break up driven by social factors.

Question 6

What is the Grave dressing phase?

Answer 6

Threshold: “It is now inevitable”

Once relationship is dead they spin a favourable story, the dissatisfied partner finally reaches a threshold “time to get a new life”.

Question 7

What is brief AO3 of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 7

• Real world application BUT, focused on individualistic cultures
• An incomplete model
• Underexplains the early phases of the breakdown

Question 8

What are the strengths of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 8

The model is useful as it recognises ways in which relationship breakdown can be reversed. Duck (1994) recommends people in intra-psychic phase should be encouraged to focus their worrying on the positive aspects of their partner. Any attempt to improve communication can foster greater stability. These insights can be used in relationship counselling to help people through a difficult time. BUT, the model is based on research in individualistic cultures especially US. Moghaddam et al, relationships in individualistic cultures are generally voluntary and frequently come to an end. But in collectivist cultures they involve wider family and concept of romantic relationship differs between cultures.

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of Duck’s phase model?

Answer 9

Incomplete model, Duck and Rollie added a fifth phase, “the resurrection phase” ex-partners apply to future relationships the experiences gained from their recently ended one. Progression is not inevitable as it is possible to return to earlier point at any phase, processes that occur are more important then linear movement. The original model doesn’t account for complexity of breakdown and its dynamic nature.

Underexplains the early phases of breakdown. Research is retrospective. P’s in research studies generally report their experiences some time after the relationship has ended, they may not always be accurate or reliable. Partners can be in the “intra-psychic” phase for a long time so recall of it may be particularly distorted. Model may not explain early part of breakdown as later phases.