Duck's Phase Model (not a theory of romantic relationships)

Question 1

AO3 (1) duck’s phase model

Answer 1

• One weakness of Duck’s phase Model is that it is over-reliant on self report
• For example, to gather data on relationships, Duck would rely on interview and survey methods to produce data surrounding break ups. This data would also be retrospective, asking a participant to recall a past break up as opposed to collecting data while the break up is happening.
• This is a weakness due to the lack of trust surrounding the role of social desirability bias and judgments being clouded by subjecting opinions, indicating a lack of credibility in the data he collected
• However, it can be argued that self report methods can be reliable as participants are more likely to be honest as the researcher does not need to be present, thus increasing the usefulness of this kind of methodology.
• Despite this, the participants may change their answers to please the investigator or investigation
• Thus reducing internal validity of research into Duck’s Phase Model for break ups.

Question 2

AO3 (2) duck’s phase model

Answer 2

• One strength of Duck’s phase model is that it has real world application
• For example, processes involved within Duck’s phase model can be utilised within counselling to support patients as progress through the stages. On an individual stage, patients can be supported with their regulations of thoughts and feelings following each stage, like the intrapsychic. A couple can also be supported to work through the dyadic phase to maximise potential to salvage.
• This is a strength as couples can help to resolve issues surrounding a breakup by identifying why someone may be unsatisfied or have detrimental mental health after a breakup and how to change it by improving the patient’s quality of life, increasing the usefulness of Duck’s phase model
• However, it can be argued that this cannot be applied to all break ups as not everyone acts this way out of a breakup as many people don’t follow all of the stages or even any of the stages after getting out of a breakup, therefore reducing the usefulness of Duck’s phase model
• Despite this, Duck’s model has real world application when it comes to therapy as it can be applied to most real world scenarios, increasing its utility
• thus increasing the external validity of Duck’s phase model

Question 3

AO3 (3) duck’s phase model

Answer 3

• One weakness of Duck’s phase model is that it omitted a 5th stage
• For example, Duck added in a 5th stage after developing his original theory. This 5th stage, the resurrection phase, outlines how people use their past experiences and relationships to inform their future relationships to avoid making the same mistakes.
• This is a weakness because it decreases the accuracy of the theory as it ignores the complexity of human relationships as Duck’s original model is ever-evolving
• However, it can be argued that the 5th stage is not part of the model as it is not considered part of the breakup but instead for future relationships and after the breakup stage therefore it is right to not be considered as a 5th stage, thus validating Duck’s phase model
• Despite this, his phase model is oversimplistic therefore reducing its relevance
• Thus decreasing the internal validity of Duck’s phase model

Question 4

Q: Is a breakup a single event or a process?

Answer 4

A: A breakup is a gradual process that happens over days, weeks, or months, not a single event.

Question 5

Q: What happens during the Intra-psychic stage?

Answer 5

A: One or both partners privately reflect on problems, weigh pros and cons, consider alternatives, and start making future plans without sharing much.

Question 6

Q: What happens during the Dyadic stage?

Answer 6

A: Partners openly discuss relationship issues with anxiety and hostility, leading either to breakup or attempts to salvage the relationship.

Question 7

Q: What happens during the Social stage?

Answer 7

A: The breakup becomes public knowledge among friends and family, who take sides, gossip increases, and social pressures intensify the breakup.

Question 8

Q: What happens during the Grave Dressing stage?

Answer 8

A: Both partners create a socially acceptable story about the breakup, often blaming the other to maintain social credit, rewriting history, and moving on.

Question 9

Q: What marks the transition between stages in Duck’s model?

Answer 9

A: Each phase begins after reaching a threshold in perception that pushes partners into the next stage.

Question 10

Q: How does social interaction affect the breakup process?

Answer 10

A: Friends and family’s involvement in the Social stage can intensify the breakup through gossip, support, or taking sides

Question 11

Q: What is important in the Grave Dressing phase?

Answer 11

A: Maintaining a positive social image and “keeping good face” by controlling the narrative of the breakup.