Relationship Breakdown

• This model explains that stages people go through when their relationship is not working
• Once a partner is dissatisfied there are four stages / phases in the breakdown process
• They include Intrapsychic phase, Dyadic phase, Social phase and the Grave-dressing phase
• The relationship breakdown may be stopped if they do different things depending on which stage they are at
• However, at around the social phase it will be very hard to get the relationship to work again

The Intrapsychic Phase

• Begins when a person becomes dissatified
• "I can't stand it anymore"
• The person faces an express or repress dilemma
• Concerns remain private or are expressed to a close friend
• Negatives and positives of the relationship is evaluated

The Dyadic Phase

• When the person talkes to their partner and brings concerns and dissatisfaction into the open
• "I'd be justified in withdrawing"
• Feelings of guilt, anger and hostility are likely to be aired
• Discussions may begin about how to resolve the concerns and repair the relationship
• If not, the breakdown continues

The Social Phase

• Plans to break up are openly expressed to others
• "I mean it"
• Gossip / disscussions among friends
• Alliances are formed
• Others may offer advice and support
• Face-saving and blame-placing accounts are created
• Usually the point of no return

The Grave-dressing Phase

• An individual's own version of the relationship is made to protect his/her self-esteem
• Painting themeselves in a favourable light for future partners
• "It's now inevitable"
• For example "We grew apart" rather than "I acted immaturely"
• The person may reinterpret their view of their partner
• For example a persons rebellious nature may become irresponsibility

Real life applications

• Duck claims that by paying attention to the topics that people discuss and how they talk about their relationship, it may be possible to intervene before the breakdown progresses
• For example reflecting on the strengths of their pertner and about their own contribution
• This mean that it can be used in relationship counselling

Incomplete and oversimplified

• It is suggested that movement from one stage to the next is inevitable in a linear fashion
• The new model accounts for the fact that it is possible to return to earlier phases
• The new one also includes a 5th stage called resurrection phase (preparation for a new relationship)

Methodological Issues

• Research was carried out retrospectively (after the relationship ended)
• This is because it may be unhelpful to study it in the process of breakdown (distressing)
• This means that they must rely on their memory, which could have been distorted by their own subjective viewpoint

Fails to explain why breakdown occurs

• Does not explain why a person becomes dissatisfied in the first place
• For example fatal attraction is when a person starts a relationship being blind to the other's faults