7. Duck’s Breakdown Model

Duck’s Breakdown Model

Describes the stages which people go through when they realise that they are unhappy in their relationship. The breakdown will move from one stage to the next once one of the people in the relationship reaches a threshold (of emotion) at each stage.

What are the stages of breakdown (Duck’s model)

1. Intra-psychic phase

2. Dyadic phase

3. Social phase

4. Grave-dressing phase

5. Resurrection phase

Stage 1: Intra-psychic phase

Focus: on cognitive processes occurring within individual.

• one partner realises they are dissatisfied with the relationship

• They privately think about their partners shortcomings and the reasons for their unhappiness

• They weigh up + and - of the relationship and compare with alternatives (other potential partners or being single)

• They may withdraw socially, spending less time with their partners shortcomings

• They may show indirect signs of dissatisfaction (reduced intimacy, less interest in spending quality time together)

Stage 2: Dyadic Phase

Focus: communication between the couple

• The dissatisfied partner confronts the other partner and explains why they are unhappy

• The couples discusses their dissatisfaction, often involving arguments, anxiety

• They may complain about unfair roles, lack of effort

• Self-disclosure increases as partners express thoughts and feelings they previously kept private

There are two possible outcomes:

1) they decide to continue the breakdown

2) they attempt to repair the relationship

If the attempt to repair relationship fails, the breakdown progresses to the next stage

Stage 3: Social phase

Focus: couples social network

• The couple involves other people (friends and family)

• They inform their social networks that the relationship is experiencing problems or has ended

• Friends and family may provide reassurance and reinforce one partners decision to leave

• Others may take sides and place blame on one partner

• Friends may reveal previously hidden info that speeds up the breakdown

• Sometimes friends and family encourage the couple to communicate and work things out

Stage 4: Grave-dressing phase

Focus: explaining the breakup aftermaths

• Once a relationship ends, both partners try to justify their actions and maintain a positive reputation

• Each partner creates a favourable story about the breakup to tell friends and family

• They may blame the circumstances, their ex or other people rather than themselves

• They try to protect their reputation, sometimes at the other partners expense

• They create a personal version of events that may differ from the public account

• They may reinterpret their ex partners positive characteristics negatively (impulsive and spontaneous→ irresponsible, unreliable)

Stage 5: Resurrection phase

Focus: preparing for future relationships

• Both partners prepare themselves for new relationships

• They may redefine themselves, adopting a “new relationship, new me” attitude

• They reflect on mistakes made in their previous relationship

• They reconsider what they want from future relationships

• They attempt to rebuild their individual identity and self-esteem

Evaluations for Duck’s Breakdown Model

Incomplete theory (oversimplification)

Ev: Duck added the 5th stage (resurrection phase) to explain how experiences of previous relationships influence future relationships. Ex: Suggests that the original 4 stage model was too simplistic because it didn’t account for how individuals learn from breakups, rebuild their identity and change their expectations of future partners. L: low internal val., as the original model didn’t fully explain the processes involved in relationship breakdown.

Cultural differences

Ev: in most individualistic cultures, relationships are generally voluntary and divorce is more socially acceptable, whereas in collectivist cultures, family expectations may make relationships more difficult to leave. Ex: people from individualistic cultures have freedom to choose their partners and divorce is more socially acceptable. But in collectivist cultures, relationships ending can bring shame to the family, which may reduce people willingness to initiate a breakup or follow stages in Ducks model. L: lacks cultural validity, as stages proposed in model can’t be generalised equally to people from different backgrounds.

Practical application

Ev: Duck suggested that if couples in dyadic stage work on their communication and self-disclosure in a positive way, this can help to reestablish trust and satisfaction within the relationship. Ex: Therapist can educate couples about the stages of relationships breakdown and help them manage conflicts by expressing their feelings openly and listening to each other. This may help couples identify the cause of their problems, rebuild trust and restore relationships satisfaction, potentially preventing the relationship from ending. L: High practical application, as it treat, educate and manage patients on how to overcome difficulties within their relationships.