Ducks Phase Model

• Duck's Phase Model - Breakdown of Relations

  3 reasons for breakdown

  • Pre-existing doom - individuals arent compatible from start
  • Mechanical failure - no longer able to function as couple
  • Sudden death - traumatic event e.g. cheating
• Ducks Phase Model Process:

  1. Intra-psychic - partners consider feelings about relationship problems, plans confrontation, considers alternatives
  2. Dyadic - partners confront eachother to discuss relating to equity, intimacy and costs of breakup
  3. Social - tell social networks of splitting, take part in social activities to get over relationship, pick sides
  4. Grave-dressing - create narrative of break-up to save face, blame partner/circumstances out of control
• (+) A03: Tashiro + Frazer (2003)


  Self report of 96 graduates on their breakups

  • Found relationships broke down in stages as expected by theory, especially the grave-dressing stage
• (+) A03: Duck (2006)

  Improved the model further by adding Ressurection stage, where the person focuses on reconfiguring themselves as an individual with new hobbies, interests etc
• (-) A03: Beta Bias


  The model states the same process for both genders, minimising potential differences

  • Men often cite lack of sex
  • Women often cite lack of emotional support