What is the primary difference between the Intra-psychic and Dyadic phases?

The Intra-psychic phase is entirely internal, involving private brooding and weighing costs, whereas the Dyadic phase involves active confrontation and discussion of issues with the partner.

How does the Social phase differ from the Grave-dressing phase?

The Social phase focuses on seeking support and validation from friends and family during the breakup, while the Grave-dressing phase occurs after the breakup to create a favorable narrative for public consumption.

When should an individual be considered in the 'Resurrection' phase rather than 'Grave-dressing'?

An individual is in the Resurrection phase when they move beyond just 'saving face' and start experiencing personal growth, using lessons from the past relationship to prepare for a new one.

What is a common error in assuming the model is strictly linear?

It ignores that real-life breakups are messy; people often cycle back to earlier stages (like the Dyadic phase) to try again or skip directly to the Social phase in cases of sudden betrayal.

Why is relying on retrospective research a problem for validating this model?

Participants may misremember their feelings or subconsciously rewrite their history (grave-dressing) to make themselves look better, leading to biased data about the timing of phases.

What is the 'threshold' misconception regarding the Social phase?

Students often think the Social phase is just about 'telling people,' but the threshold 'I mean it' implies that the social network's reaction can actually make the breakup irreversible.

Define the 'Threshold of Dissolution' in Duck's model.

It is a specific cognitive tipping point or realization that moves an individual from one phase of the relationship breakdown process to the next.

What is 'Grave-dressing'?

It is the process of creating a post-relationship narrative that justifies the breakup and protects the individual's self-esteem and social reputation.

What is the threshold for the Intra-psychic phase?

The threshold is the internal thought: 'I can't stand this anymore,' which initiates the process of private brooding and dissatisfaction.

Why is the Social phase considered a 'point of no return' for many couples?

Once the breakup is public, social pressures and the opinions of friends/family can make reconciliation difficult, as the partners feel they must stick to their public declarations.

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Relationships: Option Topic (Section B)

Duck's Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown

Summary

Duck's Phase Model describes the dissolution of a romantic relationship not as a single event, but as a progressive process consisting of distinct stages. Each stage is triggered by a cognitive 'threshold' where an individual's perception of the relationship shifts, moving from internal brooding to social confrontation and eventually to the creation of a post-breakup narrative.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Processual Nature: Unlike models that view a breakup as a sudden occurrence, Duck's model posits that relationship breakdown is a gradual process that unfolds over time through specific psychological and social phases.
Cognitive Thresholds: Each phase is preceded by a specific threshold of dissolution, which is a tipping point in a partner's thinking (e.g., 'I can't stand this anymore') that necessitates moving to the next stage of the breakdown.
Focus on Communication: The model emphasizes how communication changes as the relationship deteriorates, moving from internal reflection to interpersonal conflict and finally to public disclosure.

Flowchart of Duck's Phase Model showing the progression from Intra-psychic to Resurrection phases.

2. The Four Original Phases

Intra-psychic Phase: This is an internal stage where one partner privately broods over their dissatisfaction. They focus on the partner's perceived faults and weigh the costs of staying versus leaving without yet voicing these concerns to the partner.
Dyadic Phase: The dissatisfaction is voiced, leading to a series of confrontations and discussions. Partners may negotiate, argue about inequities, or attempt to repair the relationship, but the threshold is reached when one feels justified in withdrawing.
Social Phase: The breakup becomes public as partners seek support from their social networks. Friends and family may take sides, offer advice, or speed up the dissolution by revealing previously hidden information about the partner.
Grave-dressing Phase: After the split, individuals construct a favorable narrative of the relationship's end to protect their social standing and self-esteem. This 'storytelling' helps them justify their actions and prepare for future relationships.

3. The Resurrection Phase (2006 Update)

4. Thresholds of Dissolution

5. Key Distinctions

6. Exam Strategy & Tips