Duck's Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown

• Duck's Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown:

  • Developed by Steve Duck (1982)
  • Describes 4 different phases we go through during the dissolution of a romantic relationship & focuses on how relationships breakdown (ie the processes rather than the reasons for).
• 1. Intrapsychic Process- one or both parties recognise the dissatisfaction & time is spent thinking about & brooding on the flaws in the relationship. The individual(s) feels burdened by feelings of resentment & a sense of being under-benefited, they may not discuss this satisfaction, but may express their discontentment in other ways, eg in a personal diary.
• 2. Dyadic Processes- discontentment is discussed with partners & potential 'next steps' are explored. Feelings of guilt & anger are likely to surface in the discussion. Relationship may be saved at this point if both partners are motivated to resolve (eg seeking marital therapy).
• 3. Social Processes- friends or family members are made aware of the issues. Relationship could be saved, but becomes less likely. Distress experienced is made public & it's harder to deny that there is an issue.
• 4. Grave-dressing phase- after going their separate ways, ex-partners establish their version of events of the relationship & breakdown. Partners attempt to justify their actions. Partners strive to construct a representation of the failed relationship that does not paint their contribution to it in unfavourable terms.
• Evaluation of Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown- strength:

  • Research support for the use of grave-dressing phase in real life relationships- Tashiro & Frazier found evidence for the importance of the grave-dressing phase in dealing with the after-effects of relationship breakdown.
  • Individuals were less likely to suffer a depressive episode if able to justify the end of the relat as to do with the situation rather than their own flaws, eg 'just weren't compatible'. Therefore, individual able to create stories that play down their role in the breakup & so don't threaten their psych wellbein
• Evaluation of Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown- strength:

  • Real-world applications: implications for intervention- Duck's Model stresses the importance of communication in relationship breakdown.
  • For example, if the relationship was in the intrapsychic phase, repair might involve re-establishing liking for the partner, perhaps by re-evaluating their behaviour in a more positive light.
  • Suggests appropriate interventions can be put into place during the relationship breakdown process. Important for individual well-being & society.
• Evaluation of Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown- weakness:

  • Ethical issues in breakdown research. Carrying out research in this sensitive area raises particular issues of vulnerability, privacy & confidentiality.
  • A guiding principle in all research is that the benefits of undertaking the research must outweigh the risks. Suggests that psychologists must ask themselves whether they truly have the interests of the PPs in mind when exploring their research question.
• Evaluation of Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown- weakness:

  • Are individual differences in relationship breakdowns which are not accounted for in the model.
  • For example, during social phase younger people may receive more support to move on as their relationships are seen as more transient and they still have other options.
  • However, older people with more commitments to each other (eg children & houses) may receive support to reconcile as they have more to lose & fewer options elsewhere. Indicates model must be applied with nature of the relationship in mind to be of use in impro underst