Theories of romantic relationships- Ducks phase of relationship breakdown

Question 1

Ducks theory on breakdowns

Answer 1

• range of reasons for relationship breakdowns

Question 2

what is pre-existing doom?

Answer 2

• individuals are incompatible from the start

Question 3

what is mechanical failure?

Answer 3

• compatible people are no longer able to function as a couple

Question 4

What is sudden death?

Answer 4

• traumatic event
• e.g. cheating/ big argument

Question 5

What is ducks phase model?

Answer 5

• isnt a sudden one off event,
• ends as a result of progressing through a number of distinct phases/ stages

Question 6

what is the intra- psychic phase (1)?

Answer 6

• one/ both partners have feelings about problems in the relationship
• plans to confront the partner
• save the relationship or alt considered
• my confide in friends

Question 7

What is the dyadic phase(2)?

Answer 7

• partners confront each other to discuss the relationship
• may include convos relating to inequality, inconsistency and cost of breakups

Question 8

what is the social phase(3)?

Answer 8

• partners annouce to social networks that they’re splitting
• engage in activities to get over the relationship
• practical aspects are negotiated
• social network members pick sides+ provide support

Question 9

what is the grave-dressing phase(4)?

Answer 9

• partners create a narrative of how the breakup happened in a way that saves their face/ self esteem
• either blame partner or circumstances outside of their control
• question their decision and consider how their breakup has affected their social network

Question 10

Research support: Tashiro and Fraser (2003) Personal growth after a breakup

Answer 10

• self report of 96 undergraduate students recalled their breakup experience
• findings indicated that after a breakup pp experienced:
• emotional distress and growth
• like improving agreeableness

Question 11

Tashiro and Fraser (2003) Personal growth after a breakup: criticism= lacks population validity

Answer 11

• lacks population validity
• cant generalise as only uses undergrad students
• retrospective= may lack validity due to memory inconsistencies

Question 12

research support: LeFerbe (2012) found aspects of ducks breakup phases applies to virtual relationships

Answer 12

• self reporting on previous break up 208 pp
• after break up showed social activity changes like changing facebook status and taking down tagged photos
• in grave dressing phase it showed them moving on, having fun nights out

Question 13

Evaluation: addition of the resurrection phase

Answer 13

• it was added in 2006
• stage focuses on time after the relationship when partners would reconfigure as an individual
• try new hobbies, and interests in prep for new relationship

Question 14

Evaluation: knowing process of relationship break down helps relationship councillors

Answer 14

-understanding relationship break down helps relationship councillors when supporting couples
- preventing break ups and helping communication in dyadic phase

Question 15

Evaluation: may contain beta bias

Answer 15

• may contain beta bias
• minimising difference between men and women
• men suggest a lack of sex is the reason for breakdowns
• women often site no emotional support

Question 16

Evaluation: model has high face validity

Answer 16

• model is highly applicable to peoples relationship breakdowns
• high face validity
• BUT could be due to issues with accurate recall
• could be trying to fit their experience into the model