A2 - Psychology - Dissolution of relationships

Lee's model - Description

• Lee identified five stages in the breakdown of student relationships: dissatisfaction (recognising problems), exposure (being open about problems), negotiating (trying to resolve problems), resolution and termination.
• The relationships of couples going straight from dissatisfaction to termination (walking out) tended to have been less intimate all along.
• When dissatisfaction to termination took a long time, individuals reported having been very attracted to their partners and were lonelier afterwards.

Lee's model - Evaluation

• Lee's model was based on a limited sample of premartial relationships and young participants so might not apply to martial breakdown.
• Stage models, unlike precipitating factors, are descriptive rather than explanatory, although they may guide reconciliation.
• Rollie and /duck's model looks mainly at processes when the relationship has failed whereas Lee's model considers the possibility of saving the relationship. A combination may offer a more complete view.

Rollie and Duck's model - Description

• Rollie and Duck identified six stages in the breakdwon of relationships.
• Breakdown - one partner reaches a threshold of dissatisfaction.
• Intrapsychic processes - social withdrawal, resentment and consideration of alternatives. The relationship may end here.
• Dyadic processes - problems are discussed amid uncertainty and hostility but the relationship may be saved.
• Social processes - involvement of other people, e.g. for support or advice. This may help resolution or speed dissolution (e.g. with revelations).
• Grave-dressing processes - mental preparation for life outside the relationship.
• Resurrection processes - active changes in self and future expectations.

Rollie and Duck's model - Evaluation

• Tashiro and Frazier found post-relationship-breakdown students had gained insight into themselves and future relationships, supporting the ideas of grave-dressing and resurrection.
• The focus on communication in relationship breakdwon suggests an approach for intervention.
• Rollie and Duck's model looks mainly at processes when the relationship has failed whereas Lee's model considers the possibility of saving the relationship. A combination may offer a more complete view.