Relationship dissolution

• Lack of stimulation. Social exchange theory states we expect rewards from relationships. Not recieving this could be a reason for relationship breakdown.
• Baxter'94 found lack of stimulation, boredom or lack of progression in a relationship are often quoted as reason for a relationships' end.
• Maintenance difficulties can make a relationship stronger but in many cases the maintenance difficulties becomes overwhelming.
• Shaver et al'85 found a main reason for breakdown of relationships is the inability to see eachother which places strain both parties involved.
• Duck theorized that there are 3 main reasons for relationship breakdown: pre-existing doom (faliure pre-destined), mechanical faliure (incompatibility) or sudden death (betrayal/infidelity).

1) Breakdown. Due to dissatisfaction.

2) Intrapsychic processes. Social withdrawral & resentment.

3) Dyadic processes. Talking w/ partner about issues (make-it or break-it)

4) Social processes. Break-up public, advice & allies created.

5) Grave-dressing. Scapegoating issues of the relationship on the other.

6) Ressurrection. Learning from mistakes and moving on.

• Good face validity. Looks as relationship breakdown as a process rather than one single event.
• Practical applications: relationship guidance.
• Looks at the broader picture (social) as well as the cog & beh aspects of breakdown (Hollistic).
• Gender differences: Women tend to display more growth than men.
• Doesn't account for why dissolution occurs.
• Heterosexual bias: not representative of homosexual relationships or simply friendships.
• Individual differences.