Describe and evaluate psychological research into the dissolution (breakdown) of relationships

Authors Avatar

Describe and evaluate psychological research into the dissolution (breakdown) of relationships

There are many different factors into why some relationships fail and others succeed. In this particular essay, I will look into why some relationships do breakdown.

The first model into the dissolution of relationships was devised by Karney and Bradbury (1955). They said that there were three major factors that determined marital stability. The first of these were enduring vulnerabilities, which includes an unhappy childhood and high neuroticism. The second is stressful events such as illness or poverty. Lastly, adaptive processes also have an effect. This refers to constructive and destructive coping strategies to resolve issues. All three factors can be linked together; for example, enduring vulnerabilities can cause stressful events. This model is good because past research has shown that many factors have been associated with the breakdown of relationships, and most of these factors can be related to the three variables mentioned in this model. This shows that it can explain why some relationships do break down.  Another strength is that it shows how these three variables can link together to reduce marital quality. However, it can be criticised as it places too much emphasis on marital quality and satisfaction leading to a break-up. Levinger argued that there are other factors that also affect whether a couple break up or not. An example of this is divorce – people may not want to go through the hassle.

Join now!

Duck (1988) proposed a four-phase model, which explains what happens during the termination of close or intimate relationships. The first stage is the intra-psychic phase, where one of the partners becomes very unhappy with the relationship. This then leads to the dyadic phase, where the other person becomes involved. If the problem is not resolved, then it leads to the social phase where family and friends become involved. If the problem is not resolved here then it goes to the final stage. This is the grave-dressing phase, where the ex-partners begin the organisation of their post-relationship lives. A strength of ...

This is a preview of the whole essay