Discuss two theories of the
breakdown of relationships
AO1
Reasons for
relationship
breakdown (Duck)
Lack of skills
Social skills may be difficult for some
individuals, making it hard to hold
conversations, which may given the
impression of a lack of interest, which could
quickly lead to breakdown (Duck 1991)
Lack of
stimulation
People expect relationships to
adapt, change and develop
over time, a lack of this leads
to boredom, which can lead to
breakdown (Baxter et al)
Maintenance Difficulties
Factors such as distance can place a huge strain on relationships, leading to breakdown (Shaver et al)
Breakdown Model
Includes time for personal reflection
(intrapsychic processes), to discussing
issues with partner (dyadic
processes), to seeking social support,
grave dressing and resurrection
AO2
Reasons for
relationship
breakdown
Extra-martial
affairs
Boekhout et al
May be a direct reaction
to the perceived lack of
skills of a partner
Undergraduates rated various sexual and
emotional reasons for men and women to
cheat. Ppts concluded that sexual reasons were
most likely to be used by males, while
emotional reasons were most likely to be used
by females
Maintenance Difficulties
Rohlfing
70% students had had a long distance romantic
relationship, 90% had had long distance friendship.
Due to increased mobility, so REAL LIFE APP: it's useful
for people to know maintenance strategies
Breakdown Model
Tashiro & Frazer
Undergrads that had
recently broken up.
Reported they'd
experienced
emotional distress
AND personal growth
Said breakups had given new
insight into themselves
(through resurrection)
IDA
Ethical Issues
Ppts may
experience
psychological
harm whilst
reliving their
breakups for
purposes of
studies
Implications
of theory on
REAL LIFE
If relationship was in intrapsychic stage,
repair may involve re-establishing love for
partner, but these methods may change if
relationship was in later stages of the model