Ducks Phase model of relationship breakdown

Question 1

what does the model propose

Answer 1

• ending of a relationship is not a one off event, process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct stages
• each stage begins when a particular threshold is reached; usually point were perception of relationship shifts

Question 2

what is the 4 phases of relationship breakdown

Answer 2

1. the intrapsychic phase
2. the dyadic phase
3. the social phase
4. the grave-dressing phase

Question 3

the intrapsychic phase

Answer 3

• occurs when someone becomes dissastisfied in their relationship and reaches a threshold
• phase focuses on cognitive processes occuring within the individual
• likely to dwell on negatives of being in their relationship, and asses how potential alternative scenarios compare
• concerns remain private, or may be expressed to a close friend

Question 4

the dyadic phase

Answer 4

• occurs when they feel its justified to withdraw
• focuses on interpersonal proccesses between the partners
• likely to confront partner and bring concerns and dissatisfactions into the open
• feelings of anger and hostility to be aired
• disscussions of how to reapir the relationship

Question 5

the social phase

Answer 5

• focuses on wider processes amoungst the couples social network
• plans to breakup are openly expressed to others, and alliances are formed between friends/relatives
• some may take sides, speeding up the breakdown by offering previously secret information

Question 6

the grave dressing phase

Answer 6

• focuses on the aftermath of breakdown
• partners consolidate their own public version of the relationship story to tell others - story is designed to protect self esteem and paint a favoruable picture for future partners
• individuals may modify their private view of the relarionship by reinterpreting their view of their partner Eg: a partners rebellious nature that attracted you now is interpreted as irresponsibility

Question 7

weakness: incomplete

Answer 7

I: ducks original model of relationship breakdown has been accused of being incomplete and over simplified
E: suggests that movement from one stage to the next is inevitble in a linear fashion. Ducks revised model accounts for the fact that it is possible to return to earlier phases in the process
revised model included a new 5th phase - included moving beyond pain and disstress associated with ending of relationship, and experience personal growth
C: means the revised model overcomes the weakness of the OG one, making it a much more valid explanation of relationship breakdown

Question 8

weakness: methodological

Answer 8

I: model has some methodological issues, making it harder to test
E: model is based on research that had been carried out retrospectivley ie: after relationship has long ended. as its regarded as unethical to stusy a relationship in the process of breakdown (may be disstressing on ppts or cause adverse effects)
data collected may be inaccurate as ppts must relpy on meories which may have been distored by their own subjective viewpoint
C: reduces the validity of the model as there is little scientific evidence to support it

Question 9

weakness: why

Answer 9

I: model fails to explain why breakdown occurs on the first place
E: model focuses on the process of what happens once a partner becomes dissatisfied; does not explain the reasons for the dissatisfaction in the first place
* in order to fully understand breakdown, look to other theories that can explain reasons behind like the fatal attraction theory’ - idea that what was intially an attractive feature becomes a cause of dissatisfaction after a long period
C: reduces the validty of Ducks model as it implies it is an incomplete explanation of relationship breakdown

Question 10

strength: real life

Answer 10

I: model has real life applications
E: duck claims that by paying attention to the topics that people discuss and how they talk about their relationship, may be possible to identify what stage they are in and intervene before the breakdown progresses
someone in the intrapsychic phase is daid to dwell on dissatisfactions, if this is identified they then could be encouraged to reflect on strengths of their relationships in order to salvage the relationship
C: means model is valuable as it’s insights could be used in relationship counselling to improve lives in the real world