A01

• Duck (2007) suggested that there is a process of relationship breakdown, which occurs in 4 distinct stages, each marked by a ‘threshold’ or a change in each partner’s perception of the relationship, which leads them to enter the next stage.
• The first stage is the intra-psychic stage, which focuses upon cognitive elements. One or both partners have reached the point/threshold that they are evaluating the costs and rewards of their relationship, and reconsidering the profitability as compared to the investments. However, most of these processes are private, and are unlikely to be shared, unless potentially with a trusted friend.
• The second stage, after the first threshold has been reached, is the dyadic phase. The previously private thoughts about the future of the relationship are now openly discussed between the partners, who may voice concerns over inequity, jealousy, increasing costs of the relationship etc. This may either provoke the partners to work to salvage the relationship, or may trigger the beginning of a public breakdown.
• The third stage is the social phase, where the break-up has been made public. This triggers friends of the couple to evaluate the relationship to either give reassurance/support or place blame on one of the partners, which inevitably results in the majority of the mutual friends having to take sides. A final attempt at salvaging the relationship may be made by these friends, perhaps by offering their advice or helping resolve equity issues etc.
• The fourth and final stage is the grave-dressing stage, which confirms the end of the relationship and signifies both members to ‘move on’. Key to this face is ‘keeping good face’ and maintaining a positive social image. This may involve fabricating false stories about the cause of the end of the relationship to make it more socially-acceptable (e.g. the infidelity of one partner may be blamed on the unattractiveness of the other). Both partners make new plans to carry on with their lives, taking with them valuable lessons learnt from the previous relationship.