Outline and Evaluate Two or More Theories Into the Dissolution of Relationships

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In 2006, Rollie & Duck made a model of relationship breakdown, which focuses on the processes that are typically meant to happen when a relationship is breaking down rather than the distinct phases that people go through. They looked at the typical characteristics of breakdown and came up with 6 stages for breakdown. Breakdown is when one partner becomes increasingly dissatisfied with the relationship, if the dissatisfaction is sufficiently great; there is progression to the next process. The next step is the Intrapsychic process, this is characterised by social withdrawal and resentment. The dissatisfied partner focuses on their partner’s ‘faults’ and feels ‘under benefited’ (e.g. gets little satisfaction from the relationship.) The result of these processes may cause them to re-evaluate the relationship and consider possible alternatives. The Dyadic process is where the partners begin to talk to each other about the problems or supposed inequalities that at least one of them is unhappy with, this could also result in reconciliation. The ability to talk about issues in a constructive way (e.g. problem solving) rather than a destructive manner (e.g. scapegoating) is vital if the relationship is to be saved. These dyadic processes may bring up reasons for staying in the relationship or reasons to go. Social processes are when you tell others about the break up and make it public. You may also seek advice and support. Alliances are created these processes often include deprecation of the partner and scapegoating. It is also where the social implications are negotiated (e.g. care of children)The Grave-dressing Process, is looking back on the relationship and making an account of how the relationship began, what it was like, and why it died is created Ex-partners begin to organise their post-relationship lives and begin to publicise their own accounts of the break-down.
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