ABSTRACT
The Relationship Break Down Process As indicated in the introduction to this chapter, Steve Duck (2011) offered a pedagogical theoretical model of relationship breakdown that I prefer over other explanations, such as Knapp and Vangelisti’s (2005) model of relational dissolution, because of the focus on communication in and as relational processes. is model consists of five phases (that is, intrapsychic, dyadic, social, grave dressing, resurrection) presented in the performance poem below. e phases focus on the relationship between cognition and communication during the dissolution process and include the dyad’s social networks and their communication. is focus on communication between the dyad and social network is a major strength of the model given the importance of the break-up story (Kellas & Manusov, 2003) and the idea that communication is relational; action is the basis of our relationships (Duck, 2011).
