Relationship Breakdown

RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN

A Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown

Breakdown - first phase begins when 1 partner feels dissatisfied with the relationship.

Intrapsychic - individual broods over the relationship, and re-evaluates alternatives.

Dyadic - individual confronts their partner to discuss their dissatisfaction.

Social - dissatisfaction is shared with network of family and friends.

Grave-dressing - partners construct a representation of the failed relationship that does not paint their contribution to it in unfavourable terms.

Evaluation

- Model fails to reflect possibility of personal growth, hence development of updated model.

- Impact of social processes varies by type of relationship (less advice about reconciliation in younger relationships)

- Benefits of grave-dressing phase includes stories that protect person's psychological well-being.

- Ethical issues in breakdown research due to vulnerability of the potential participants.

- Suggests that different phases can be identified, and appropriate interventions offered.