Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown

Question 1

duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown

Answer 1

• a model of relationship breakdown that described the different phases people go through during the dissolution or a romantic relationship
• there a 5 phases

Question 2

phase 1: breakdown

Answer 2

• partner dissatisfied in relationship so have to end it
• have had enough
• “i can’t stand it anymore”

Question 3

phase 2: intrapsychic phase

Answer 3

individual begins to focus on partner’s faults & consider alternatives
- individual feels resentment & under-benefitted
- individuals may not voice their dissatisfaction to partner but may withdraw themselves
- “my withdrawal is justified”

Question 4

phase 3: dyadic phase

Answer 4

• individual confronts partner, discuss discontent & future
• anger begin to rise
• costs of ending acknowledged
• can be mended
• “I mean it”

Question 5

phase 4: social phase

Answer 5

• makes dissatisfaction known to friends/family
• issue now public
• harder to deny issues & harder to reconcile
• others take side & encourage end of relationship
• “ending relationship inevitable”

Question 6

phase 5: grave-dressing phase

Answer 6

• after leaving relationship, individual justifies their actions
• individual reflects on relationship in a way that still presents themselves in favourable terms
• strategically reinterpret view of their partner
• want to be successful in finding new partner
• “time to get a new life”

Question 7

evaluation 1

Answer 7

REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Duck’s model stresses importance of communication in relationship breakdown & diff stages show how a couple may reconcile (re-evaluate behaviours in intrapsychic stage)
STRENGTH: better understanding of what they have to do with communication at each stage to reconcile
FAILS TO REFLECT GROWTH: Rollie & Duck later formed sixth phase where individuals go on journey of personal growth after relationship and research support by Tashiro and found emotional distress followed by personal growth
LIMIT: doesn’t acknowledge personal growth

Question 8

evaluation 2

Answer 8

BENEFITS OF GRAVE-DRESSING PHASE: ending of relationship can be very stressful but Tashiro found that individuals feel better about ending one when the reflect & focus on situation rather than own flaws
STRENGTH: clearly grave-dressing phase is important to maintain mental wellbeing
ETHICAL ISSUES: carrying out research into sensitive issue of relationship breakdown can be seen as unethical as raises issue of vulnerability & confidentiality and may be suffering from trauma for the relationship breakdown
LIMIT: may not have best interest of pps in mind