Relationship Breakdown

Question 1

Explain what is meant by the term “Breakdown”

Answer 1

• The first phase of Ducks model of relationship breakdown
• one partner may be distressed with the way the relationship is
• dissatisfaction with the relationship

Question 2

Explain what is meant by the term “ the intrapsychic phase”

Answer 2

• Partner will consider whether they are better off out of this relationship
• Individual feels burdened by resentment and a sense of being under benefited
• Individual may not say nothing to partner about their dissatisfaction and will express in different ways like social withdrawal

Question 3

“Explain what is meant by the term “ The Dyadic Phase”

Answer 3

• Individuals confront their partners
• Uncertainty, anxiety, hostility, complaints
• Discussion of discontents
• Both partners will talk about their feeling ‘our relationship’ ; equity roles and the benefits and costs of staying or leaving the relationship
• Reassessment of goals, possibilities, commitments, this is the point where many couples seek marital therapy

Question 4

Explain what is meant by the term “ The Social Phase”

Answer 4

• Going public, support seeking from third parties I.e friends or family
• Others may take sides, offer advice and support, or may help in mending any disputes between the two sides.
• The involvement of others may even speed the partners towards dissolution through revelations about one or other of the partners’ behaviour.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by the term “ The Grave Dressing Phase”

Answer 5

• Partners attempt to justify their actions and just present themselves to others as a being trustworthy and loyal - if they want to attract a new partner
• Partners construct a representation of the failed relationship that doesn’t show a negative light on themselves > saving face
• Stories prepared for different audiences and individuals may also reinterpret their view of their partner

Question 6

(AO3)

What is a weakness of Duck’s 1982 model?

Answer 6

P: Failed to reflect the possibility of personal growth
E: New model introducing “resurrection process” is an opportunity to move away from distress and engage in personal growth
E: Evidence from a survey of 92 undergraduates (Tashiro and Frazier)

Question 7

(AO3)

Does age affect the social phase of a relationship?

Answer 7

P: Duck = nature and impact of social phase may be based on the sort of relationship
E: Teenager relationships seen as stepping stone for future relationship = “more fish in the sea” less likely to save it. Older people in long term relationships = less likely to find a replacement for partner so more support during social phase
E: Suggests for older people there will be more attempts by others to rescue the current relationship

Question 8

(AO3)

What is a strength of the research support for Ducks model?

Answer 8

P: Research support for grave dressing phase in dealing with the after effects of relationship breakdown
E: Monroe (1999) students end of a relationship = greater risk of depression. However Tashiro and Frazier (2003) students = better, when they look at the situation being responsible for break up not their own flaws
E: grave dressing allows one to make up their own stories so doesn’t threaten psychological well being

Question 9

(AO3)

Are there ethical issues with carrying out research?

Answer 9

P: Ethical issues in research
1)Vulnerabilities
2)Privacy
3)Confidentiality (particularly for victims of abuse)
E: Benefits must outweigh the costs. This is difficult when dealing with vulnerable individuals attempting to cope with the trauma and emotional distress associated with a relationship breakup
E: Psychologists must ask themselves, therefore, whether they truly have the interests of the participants in mind when exploring research question

Question 10

(AO3)

How is Ducks model applicable to the real world?

Answer 10

P: Real world application = shows importance of communication in relationship breakdown
E: Intrapsychic phase - repair = seeing partner is a more positive light
Social phase - repair = people outside the relationship helping partners to match up their differences.
E: Suggests clues through communication at different stages provide opportunities for friends and family to provide appropriate support to prevent the relationship breaking up