The Break Down Of A Relationship

Front 1

Reasons for the breakdown of a relationship:

Lack of skills

Back 1

-for some people, relationship are difficult because they lack the interpersonal skills to make them mutually satisfying.

-individuals lacking social skills may be poor conversationalists, poor at indicating their interest in other people, and are likely to be generally unrewarding in their interactions with other people.

-the lacking social skills, therefore, means that others perceive them as not being interested in relating, so a relationship tends to break down before it really gets going.

Front 2

Reasons for the breakdown of a relationship:

Lack of stimulation

Back 2

-according to the social exchange theory, people look for rewards in their relationships, one of which is 'stimulating'.

-we would expect, therefore, that lacking stimulation would be a reason why relationships break down.

-there is evidence (e.g. Baxter) that lack of stimulation (i.e. boredom or a belief that the relationship was not going anywhere) is often quoted when breaking off a relationship.

-people expect relationships to change and develop, and when they do not this is seen as sufficient justification to end the relationship or start a new one.

Front 3

Reasons for the breakdown of a relationship:

Maintenance difficulties

Back 3

-there are clearly some circumstances where relationships become strained simply because partners cannot see each other enough.

-going away to university, for example, places a great strain on existing relationships, and is often responsible for their breakdown.

-while enduring romantic relationships can be strong enough to survive the pressure of decreased daily contact, it is evident that for many this is not the case.

Front 4

Model of break down (Rollie and Duck):

Keeping it personal (Breakdown)

Back 4

-the first phase of Rollie and Duck's model begins when one of the partners becomes distressed with the way the relationship is conducted.

-inequitable relationships are more likely to create dissatisfaction than equitable relationships, so this realisation may be the first step in the eventual breakdown of the relationship.

Front 5

Model of breakdown (Rollie and Duck):

Keeping it personal (Intrapsychic process)

Back 5

-the breakdown lead to the intrapsychic process characterised by brooding focus on the relationship.

-during this process, nothing is said to the partner, although the dissatisfaction with their partner may express their dissatisfaction in other ways, e.g. in a personal dairy entry.

-some people will end relationships without ever discussing their discussion their dissatisfaction with their partner.

-the promise of 'i will call' or 'lets stay friends' often disguise a deeper dissatisfaction with the other person as a romantic partner.

Front 6

Model of breakdown (Rollie and Duck):

Keeping it personal (Dyadic processes)

Back 6

-in the dyadic process, people confront their partners and begin to discuss their feeling the future.

-at this stage the relationship might be saved or partners begin to involve others in their or partners begin to involve others in their dissatisfaction with the relationship.

Front 7

Model of breakdown (Rollie and duck):

Going public (Social process)

Back 7

-up to this point, partners may have kept their dissatisfaction fairly private, but it now spills over a network of friends and family as it reaches the social process.

-others take sides, offer advice and support, or may help in mending any disputes between the two sides.

-the involvement of others may even speed the partners towards dissolution through revelations about one or other of the partners.

Front 8

Model of breakdown (Rollie and Duck):

Going public (grave-dressing processes)

Back 8

- having left the relationship, partners attempt to justify their actions. This process is important, as each partner must present themselves to others as being trustworthy and loyal, which are key attributes for future relationships.

-partners strive to construct representation of the failed relationships that does not paint their contribution to it in unfavourable terms.

Front 9

Model of breakdown (Rollie and Duck):

Going public (resurrection process)

Back 9

-in the final resurrection process each partner prepares themselves for new relationships by redefining themselves and building on past mistakes and experiences.