Duck's Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown

• What is Duck's model?

  • The ending of a relationship takes time, it is not a one-off process.
  • The model includes four phases.  In each phase one or both partners reaches a “threshold” which changes how they view the relationship. 
• What are the four phases in Duck's model?

  • Intrapsychic phase
  • Dyadic phase
  • Social Phase
  • Grave Dressing phase
• What is the Intrapsychic phase?

  • The dissatisfied partner weighs up the pros and cons of being in the relationship and considers alternatives (including being alone)
• What is the Dyadic Phase?

  • There comes a point where the two partners must talk about their relationship and there is a series of confrontations
  • There are two possible outcomes for this phase: a determination to continue with the breakup or a renewed desire to repair it
• What is the social phase?

  • The breakup is made public by discussing problems with friends and family. Gossip is traded. The social network will reassure or be judgemental
  • This is the point of no return - the breakup gains momentum once the social groups become involved
• What is the Grave Dressing phase?

  • Once the relationship is dead, a favourable story is created for outsiders, usually allowing each partner to portray themselves positively and the other partner negatively
  • Individuals strategically reinterpret their view of their partner e.g. they may have been attracted to their partners rebellious side but now label the characteristic as irresponsible
• Strength of Duck's Model - Real World Application

  • Recognising the stage that the breakup is in can help relationship therapists to suggest repair strategies
• Limitation of Duck's Model:

  • Impact of the social phase depends on the age of the couple
  • Research has found that for young people relationships are seen as practice for future committed relationships - in the social phase their social groups are more likely to encourage a breakup
  • Older people in long term relationships are more likely to be encouraged to stay together as there are more consequences if they break up
• Limitation of Duck's Model - Incomplete:

  • Rollie and Duck later published a refined version of the model
  • In the updated model they included Resurrection Processes - This is where they move on, and redefine themselves, preparing new relationships
  • Additionally they introduced the idea that you can come back and repair your relationship during any of the phases up until the social phase
• Limitation of Duck's Model - Culture Bias

  • In collectivist cultures divorce is highly disapproved of and will often involve family and friends from the get go should a partner want to leave their spouse
  • Highlighting how divorce culture is different across different cultures - reduces validity of theory