ducks phase model

• Duck’s phase model argues the ending of a relationship is not a one-off event, but a process that takes time and goes through 4 distinct phases.
• Each phase is characterised by one partner reaching a ‘threshold’ where their perception of the relationship changes

  The dissatisfied partner may reassess and decide the relationship is worth continuing, or if they cross the threshold the move onto the next stage.
• Intra-psychic phase:

  •Threshold – ‘I can’t stand this anymore’

  •One of the partners becomes more and more dissatisfied

  •Do not tell their partner yet
• Dyadic phase:

  •Threshold – ‘I would be justified in leaving’

  •They discuss dissatisfaction with partner e.g. about equity, commitment etc.
• Social phase:

  •Threshold – ‘I mean it’

  •Seek support from social groups e.g. friends, family etc

  •Friends may choose sides or may try to prevent the break up

  •Once the news is public, tends to be point of no return.
• Grave dressing phase:

  •Threshold – ‘It’s now inevitable’

  •A suitable story of the relationship and its end is prepared which tends to place the story teller in the better light.

  •Final threshold – ‘time to get a new life’
• Strength

  The model suggests some repair strategies may be more effective in some phases than others e.g. improving communication skills is beneficial in the dyadic phase.

  Suggests the model can provide real-world insights to help people through difficult times in a relationship
• Weakness

  Some argue the model is based on breakdown in individualistic cultures where the relationships are mostly voluntary and often end. Relationships in collectivist cultures are often ‘obligatory’ and less easy to end

  The model’s application to reverse breakdown can only be applied in some culture
• Weakness

  Rollie and Duck (2006) added a resurrection phase in which ex-partners apply to future relationships what they have learnt form past ones

  The original model does not consider the complexity of breakdown
• Weakness

  It has been argued that Duck’s model describes breakdowns but doesn’t explain why these stages occur.

  Ducks model may be improved by adding further detail e.g. combining theories that explain why these stages occur.