Ducks phase model of relationship breakdown

• > Duck suggested that when relationships breakdown they go through a series of phases

  > With each stage there is a threshold

  > Once this threshold has been reached the person is tipped to the next phase of breakdown
• Stage 1 - Intrapsychic stage

  > Threshold - 'I cant stand this anymore'

  > One member of the relationship identifies the problem but doesnt talk about them with the partner

  > The dissatisfied partner worries about the reasons for their dissatisfaction

  > They weigh up the pros and cons of the relationship and evaluate alternatives

  > They begin to make future plans
• Stage 2 - Dyadic phase

  > Threshold - ' I would be justified in withdrawing'

  > The focus is on interpersonal processes between the partners

  > They cannot avoid talking about the problems in their relationship any longer.

  > There are confrontations where the relationship is discussed and dissatisfactions aired.

  > These are characterised by anxiety/hostility and complaints about the lack of equity.

  > One of two outcomes is reached; either the relationship breaks up or a desire to repair it is created.  
• Stage 3 - Social phase

  > Threshold - 'I mean it'

  > The breakdown has happened and other people are told/it becomes public and mutual friends are encouraged to take a side.

  > There is a negotiation about practicalities i.e. division of assets, child care responsibilities etc.

  > This is the point of no return – the break up takes on momentum driven by social forces
• Stage 4 - Grave dressing phase

  > Threshold - 'Its now inevitable'

  > This is where we justify our decision, we tell our own version of events to enlist support and to ensure we leave the relationship with low levels of blame

  > We present the ex-partner in a ‘bad light’. This stage involves creating a personal story you can live with which may differ from your public one to help ‘tidy’ memories of the relationship.

  > Traits you used to like about your partner at the beginning of the relationship are now interpreted in a more negative fashion
• Ducks phase model AO3

  :) Practical applications

  > The principles of the theory that relationships breakdown following on from the first two phases of Duck’s model has led to a prevention model for relationship counselling to repair relationships before the actual break up.

  > For example, the counsellor could encourage an open and calm discussion in the dyadic phase and focus on the positive aspects of their partner in the intra-psychic phase.

  > Showing it is an important part of applied Psychology as it can prevent relationship breakups in the real world.
• Ducks phase model AO3

  :( Phases are too rigid

  > Not every person goes through each phase in the order set out by the model, it is possible that many can skip from the intrapsychic stage to grave dressing

  > For example, a person may be happy in their relationship but then it immediately breaks down due to infidelity, the individual skips the first 2 stages

  > Therefore, Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown may not be the most effective explanation for explaining breakdown
• Ducks phase model AO3

  :( Lacks cultural relativism

  > Most of the research is carried out in Western cultures (individualistic).

  > Relationships in these cultures are generally voluntary and often come to an end (divorce).

  > However, relationships in collectivist cultures are more likely to be compulsory, less easy to end, and involve wider family.

  > This suggests that Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown is not applicable to all relationships across all cultures due to their different norms and values, lowering the external validity of the theory