Ducks phase model

• Duck

  • proposed a phase model of relationship breakdown
  • argued that the ending of a relationship goes through 4 phases
  • each phase characterised by partner reaching a threshold where perception of relationship changes
• 4 phases of relationship breakdown

  1. Intra-psychic : T ="i cant stand this anymore" , partner become dissatisfied with relationship + keeps to themselves
  2. Dyadic : T= " i would be justified in withdrawing ", confronts partner about dissatisfaction
  3. Social : T = " i mean it " , end relationship + seek support from family and friends
  4. Grave dressing : T = " its inevitable now " ,  both sides construct versions of why relationship broke down, usually minimising their faults + maximising their partners
• Limitation of ducks model : incomplete


  • Duck added 5th phase : resurrection , ex partners use what they learned from last relationship to prepare for a future one
  • This version also clarifies the point that movement through the stages is neither linear nor inevitable
  • Suggest the original model is only a partial explanation of relationship breakdown
• Limitation of ducks model : supporting evidence is based on retrospective data


  • Most of the research uses questionnaires or interviews to ask participants about the break-up some time after it happened
  • People's memories may not be accurate + answers may not be reliable
  • Means model does not describe how break-up happens in real life, which weakens the model's ability to present an accurate picture of relationship breakdown
• Strength of ducks model : real life application


  • E.g: couples’ counselling.
  • Couples may be advised to use different strategies depending on the phase they are currently in. For example, for a person in the intra-psychic phase it may be more useful to shift their attention to the positive aspects of their partner's personality
  • Shows that model can be used successfully to help couples contemplating break-up to improve their relationships and stay together
• Grenade

  Ethics :

  • Ethical issues involved in investigating relationship breakdown ( privacy - especially if the research involves victims of domestic abuse)
  • Also issues of confidentiality + protection from psychological harm, as pps may experience distress in the process of the research