Ducks Phase model of relationship breakdown

• model of relationship breakdown

  the end of a relationship is not a one off event but a process that takes time and involves reaching thresholds and changing perspectives
• reasons for relationships breakdown

  pre existing doom - compatibility issues make the end of the relationships predictable

  mechanical failure - the relationship can no longer work out due to new differences

  sudden death - unexpected event leads to the sudden ending of the relationships
• stages of relationship breakdown

  intra psychic

  dyadic

  social

  grave dressing
• intra psychic

  the dissatisfied partner worries about their reason for dissatisfaction surrounding their partners short comings , they think privately and weigh up the pros and cons of the relationship and evaluate it against alternatives and plans for the future
• dyadic


  a series of confrontations involving airing of dissatisfactions characterised by anxiety , hostility and complaints

  the relationship is either determined to end or a new desire to repair the relationship is formed
• social

  the break up is made public and mutual friends pick sides , gossip is traded , some friends try to provide comfort and others blame the other partner , secrets once withheld are now shared , external people may try to repair the relationships
• grave dressing

  a favourable story is span for the public involving partners maintaining their positive reputation at the expense of the other partner , blaming everyone and everything but themselves for the end of the relationship to maintain social credit and creating a story you can live with
• AO3 relationships breakdown weaknesses

  x culture bias - collectivist relationships are less likely to end due to the involvement of friends and family and the shame of divorce. individualistic cultures focus on self so grave dressing and divorce is accepted

  x incomplete explanation - resurrection phase involving making peace with the old relationships and applying the lessons learnt from the past relationship to new ones , the stages are not linear or unidirectional as shown when couples get back together
• AO3 relationship breakdown strengths

  + real life application - repair strategies such as focus on positive qualities during intra psychic stage and effective communication during dyadic stage promoting relationship stability