THE BREAKDOWN OF RELATIONSHIPS a2

THE BREAKDOWN OF

RELATIONSHIPS

REASONS FOR RELATIOSHIP BREAKDOWN
LACK OF SKILLS
Relationships are difficult because they lack the interpersonal skills to make them mutually satisfying (Duck, 1999).
The lack of social skills therefore means that others perceive them as not being interested so relationships break down.
LACK OF STIMULATION Baxer, 1994- lack of stimulation (I,e. boredom or believe the relationship is not going anywhere. People expect relationships to change and develop and when this does not they justify it to end it or begin a new one.
MANTAINANCE DIFFICULTIESShaver et al 1985- relationships become strained as partners can not see each other through. While enduring romantic relationships can be strong enough to survive pressures of decreased daily contact, it is evident that for many this is not the case.
A MODEL OF BREAKDOWN (ROLLIE AND DUCK 2006)Keeping it personal
Breakdown -
Intrapsycic process -
Dyadic process-
Social processes-
Grave- dressing-
Resurrection process-

COMMENTARY

EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIRSPrepare for new relationships by defining what they want out of future ones and building on past mistakes and future ones. Boekhout et al (1999)
Affairs might be a direct reaction to perceived lack of skills/stimulation in the current relationship. Asked undergraduates why partners are unfaithful:
Sexual infidelity for men (sexual excitement, boredom, variety), whereas for women it was emotional reasons for infidelity (lack of attention, lack of commitment, emotional security).
MANTAINANCE DIFFICULTIES 70% students had experienced long distance romantic relationships.
90% had experienced one long term relationship.
Useful to understand management strategies in mobile society .
Holt et al (1988)- little decrease in relationship satisfaction.
RESEARCH SUPPORTFrazier et al (2003)- undergraduates reported breaking up with their partners had given them new insights into themselves and a clear idea about future partners. Grave dressing is able to put it to rest to get on with their lives.
IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTIONModel stresses importance of communication in relationship breakdown. At stages people can intervene and help prevent breakdown.
Attempt to justify their action- present themselves in a good light for future relationships and reinterpret view of their partner. Support seeking from others, alliance building and social commitment outside create cohesion may speed up process. People confront their partners and begin to discuss their feelings and reassessments of goals; possibilities, commitments. Social withdrawal~ may express dissatisfaction in other ways Partner becomes distressed with the way relationship is conducted