duck phase model Flashcards
what is the duck phase model?
phase model of relationship breakdown.
the ending of a relationships is a process that takes time in stages.
phase 1: intra-pychic phase
The focus of this phase is on cognitive processes occurring within the individual. The dissatisfied partner broods on the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction, centering mostly on their partners shortcomings
phase 3: social phase
The focus is now on wider processes involving the couple’s social networks. The break-up is made public. Partners will seek support and try to forge pacts. Mutual friends find that they are expected to choose a side, factions are formed, gossip is traded and encouraged.
phase 4: grave dressing phase
The focus of this phase is on the aftermath. Once the relationship is dead, the time comes to bury it by ‘spinning’ a favourable story about the breakdown for public consumption. Thus allows partners to save face and maintain a positive reputation, usually at the expense of the other partner, shaking them in a bad light.
evaluation: strength
supported by scientific research
Tashiro and Fraiser showed that viewing the situation, rather than one’s own faults (as being responsible)helps people to see the break up in a more positive light and move on as predicted by ducks model.
application to every day relationships
evaluation: weakness
use of questionnaires and interveiws
research into relationship breakdowns is based on retrospective data
peoples memories of the event may not be accurate and may also be coloured by their current situation = answers are unreliable
how does the use of questionnaires and interviews weaken the model
this means that the duck phase model does not necessarily describe how break up happens in real life, weakening the models ability to present an accurate picture of relationship breakdown.
evaluation : weakness
individual differences e.g age
Dickson found that while friends and relatives tend to see teenagers breakups as less serious whereas for adult breakups people take it more seriously and put more effort into helping.
how does individual differences affect the social phase
this shows that Ducks model won’t necessarily apply to all couples and therefore suggests that the model is unable to accurately predict breakdown in different types of relationships
evaluation : strength
useful applications for couples counselling
couples may be advised to use different strategies depending on the phase they are in. example: in the intrapsychic phase a couple can focus on positive aspects.
this shows that Ducks model of breakdown can be used successfully to help couples improve their relationship and stay together.
