A01 Duck's Phase Model

• Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown


  Duck proposed a phase model of relationship breakdown. He believed the ending of a relationship goes through 4 phases. Each phase is marked by at least one partner reaching a threshold, a point at which their perception of the relationship changes. The road to break-up begins once a partner realises they are dissatisfied with with the relationship and distressed.
• Intra-psychic phase


  Threshold is 'I can't stand this anymore'. Focus of this phase is on cognitive processes occurring within dissatisfied individual who explores reasons for dissatisfaction centring mostly on their partner's shortcomings. Partners mulls thoughts over privately (maybe sharing with trusted friend) and weigh up pros and cons and compare to alternatives. Begin to make plans for the future.
• Dyadic phase


  Focus is on interpersonal processes between partners, series of confrontations over a period of time . There comes a point when partners cannot avoide talking about the relatiosnhip. Relationship discussed and dissatisfaction aired, characterised by hostility, anxiety, resentment. There are two options options: break up or repair.
• Social phase


  Focus is on wider processes involving couple's social networks break-up made public, partners seek support, mutual friends expected to choose sides, gossip, reassurance or judgement. Some people may reveal previous secret information may be revealed which leads to more conflict but some try help repair but usually point of no return.
• Grave-dressing phase


  Focus is on the aftermath. Individuals spin favourable story about breakdown for public consumption allowing them to save face and maintain positive reputation (lots of gossip) retaining 'social credit'. It is crucial each partner reinforces their social credit by blaming everything byt themselves.
• Rewriting memory history


  Also there is a personal story that tidies memories which involves a certain degree of rewriting history. The traits you found exciting in your partnerat the start of the relationship are now reinterpreted in a much more negative fashion.