Relationships: topic 8 ‘duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown’

Question 1

who propose the model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 1

• duck

Question 2

what is the model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 2

• duck’s model of relationship breakdown outlines four different phases people go through drawing the dissolution of a romantic relationship
• duck argued that each phase is marked by one partner (or both) reaching a ‘ threshold’, a point at which their perception of the relationship changes (usually for the worst)

Question 3

when does the process of relationship breakdown begin?

Answer 3

• the process begins once a partner realises that they are dissatisfied with the relationship and distressed about the way things are going

Question 4

what are the four stages of relationship breakdown?

Answer 4

• intrapsychic, dyadic, social, grave dressing

Question 5

what is the intrapsychic stage of relationship breakdown?

Answer 5

• the treshold for entering this stage is usually characterised by thoughts such as ‘ I can’t stand this anymore’ which suggests a need for change
• one person is privately dissatisfied with the relationship
• this phase focuses on the cognitive processes within the individual
• the dissatisfied partner broods on the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction, censoring on their partners inadequacies
• they worry about the problems to come, consider our thoughts privately, and may share them with a trusted friend
• they will consider the pros and cons of the relationship and evaluate these against alternatives (including being alone) and will consider expressing dissatisfaction for their partner

Question 6

what is the dyadic stage of relationship breakdown?

Answer 6

• the threshold for entering this stage is usually characterised by thoughts such as ‘ I would be justified in leaving’
• the focus here is on the interpersonal processes between the two partners and this is where individuals will comfort their partners to discuss their feelings, discontentment and the future of the relationship
• anger, guilt and hostility are likely to surface
• couples will either commit to repairing their relationship (for the sake of shared investments and costs such as children or finance), or will remain determined to break it up

Question 7

what is the social stage of relationship breakdown?

Answer 7

• the threshold for entering this stage is usually characterised by thoughts such as ‘i mean it’
• the focus is now on wider processes involving the couples social networks
• here, the breakdown has happened, the distress experience by both partners becomes public and so it is difficult for either partners and not deny any problems and bring about a reconciliation
• even though friends are often forced to choose a side, they can offer support and advice or help mediate
• there is a negotiation about practicalities (eg the division of assets, childcare, responsibilities etc)

Question 8

what is the grave dressing stage of relationship breakdown?

Answer 8

• the threshold for entering this stage is usually characterised by thoughts such as ‘it is now inevitable’
• the focus of this phase is on the aftermath
• at this stage the relationship is over and partners attempt to justify their actions
• they publicly dispute their own version of the reason reasons for the break up, and the individual will perform ‘ getting over it’ activities such as going out with friends and dating activities
• each partner will attempt to present themselves as being trustworthy and loyal, key attributes if they are to attract future partners
• this also involves a re-interpretation of how their ex partner is viewed, where qualities that we once attractive (rebellion nature) are now seen more negatively (irresponsible)

Question 9

strengths of the model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 9

P - a strength of duck’s theory of relationship breakdown is that it does have research support from hatfield
E/E - reported that when an individual experiences initial dissatisfaction with a relationship, they are burdened by resentment and feelings of being under benefited, which leads to social withdrawal so that the individual can consider their position
L - this supports the notion of an intrapsychic stage and therefore strengthening this theory of relationship breakdown

P - practical applications
E - this model is an account a relationship rate down that most people can relate to their own and/or other peoples experiences, suggesting that their theory has good face validity, furthermore, relationship counselling helps partners to identify stages of breakdown and also inform them of how to reverse it
E - based on duck’s model, a therapist can suggest different repair stages for different stages, for example, to focus brooding in the intra psychic stage on the positive attributes of their partner
L - this is positive as such insights could have a beneficial effect on partners who may have otherwise ended their romantic relationship unnecessarily

Question 10

limitations of the model of relationship breakdown?

Answer 10

P - the model has been criticised for being too simplistic
E - the four stages are not universal, they do not apply in every case of relationship breakdown, nor do they always occur in the order described
E - rollie and duck modified duck’s original model to introduce a fifth phase called the resurrection phase where partners reflect on the breakup and use experiences gained to prepare for future relationships. They further argue that the transition through stages is not inevitable and it is possible to move back to early stages at any point.
L - this is a problem for ducks earlier model as it suggests it does not account for the entire process of relationship breakdown, and the dynamic nature of breakups with their uncertainty and complexity, therefore this model is a limited explanation of relationship breakdown

P - further criticism of the model is that most of the research relating to it is retrospective
E - participants generally give their experiences of the breakdown process sometime after the relationship has ended
E - this means that what they can recall might not always be accurate or reliable, it’s the very early stage of a breakdown that understandably tend to be distorted or perhaps even ignored altogether
L - this criticise is supporting research and makes us question of validity of ducks model of relationship breakdown

P - a further limitation of the research that model of a relationship breakdown are based on is that they suffer from ethical issues
E/E - this is because it is a sensitive issue that focuses on emotionally vulnerable participants and the trauma of revisiting often difficult breakup means there are limitations on the degree of depth researchers are sometimes able to go with their research
L - this is a problem as it may limit our understanding of some of the complex issues of relationship breakdown