BREAKDOWN (2) - created from Mind Map

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EVALUATING DUCK'S MODEL

dissolution stages don't apply to all cases and don't always take place in this order

the model may not apply to homosexual relationships that do not involve decisions about children such as heterosexual relationships do

also simplistic/reductionist as doesn't apply to casual affairs or friendships

doesn't take into account reasons for dissatisfaction as start point is when dissatisfaction is already there, so doesn't provide complete picture for dissolution

gender differences that the model doesn't explain

research: women stress unhappiness & incompatibility as reasons for dissolution & men blame lack of sex.

women want to remain friends & men want a clean break

other research: women reported lack of support while men reported absence of fun

relationships can break down due to extramarital affairs. these can be direct reaction to lack of stimulation. research identified sexual reasons for infidelity were more likely used by men & emotional reasons used by women

person instigating break up suffers less negative consequences than the non-instigator.

individual differences in effects of dissolution that the model doesn't explain

view of dissolution as processes rather than event is widely accepted.

applies to friendships but mainly to romantic relationships as these are exclusive in a way that friendships generally aren't

theory has face validity i.e. we can relate it to our own experiences

supporting research from real life observations: recently broken up students reported they experienced personal growth. break up gave them new insights into themselves & clearer idea of future partners. through grave-dressing & resurrection were able to put it behind & get on with their life.

does not focus exclusively on individual partner's but takes their social context into account also

LEE'S MODEL

conducted survey of 112 break ups(non-marital)

negotiation & exposure stages were most distressing & emotionally exhausting

those who missed out stages were in less intimate relationships

going through stages in lengthy & exhaustive process felt attracted to their former partner after break up & experience greater loss & loneliness

DISSATISFACTION

EXPOSURE TO PARTNER

NEGOTIATION

RESOLUTION

more positive than Duck's theory, seeing opportunity for problems to be solved

TERMINATION IF UNRESOLVED

doesn't account for rule violations such as disclosing confidences, not volunteering help, public criticism etc which were identified as important factors in a study for relationship dissolution. suggests the explanation is not complete.

however, a lot of information was gathered & sample was large but contained only students in premarital relationships and may not relate to others especially long term relationships involving children & shared resources

doesn't explain abusive relationships where abused partner may not initiate dissolution & may be reluctant to reveal their dissatisfaction & simply walk away from the relationship

both theories are culturally specific as many non-western cultures have arranged marriages which can be more permanent and involve whole families in crises.

socially sensitive research: participants may experience distress when revisiting issues that led to breakdown and many issues are of intensely personal nature. ( abused women) researcher faces a choice of pursuing valuable information or terminating the study in order to prevent any further harm to the participant.

BREAKDOWN (2)