In psychology, there are several models that attempt to explain and account for the trajectory of the breakup of a relationship.

First is the four-phase model as proposed by Duck in 1982. According to Duck, there are four phases involved in the dissolution of a personal relationship (1982, as cited in Battaglia 1998): intrapsychic, dyadic, social and grave-dressing.

The intrapsychic phase refers to the individual's private appraisal or evaluation of, or deliberation about, the relationship in terms of its quality and alternatives. The dyadic phase begins when these thoughts become public. In the dyadic phase, partners shift back and forth from resolution to dissolution: a process of figuring out whether their problems can be solved by maintaining the relationship. Dyadic phase is normally followed by the social phase when couples acknowledge the social repercussions for separating. The final phase, grave dressing, involves a more optimistic, and what seems to be a more objective, evaluation and remembrance.

Mood disorders and relationship breakup

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In a study that aims at investigating the relationship between background relationship transitions and mental health in young adulthood, researchers compiled data from 1,581 Dutch young adults aged 18-34, who participated in three waves (1996, 1997, and 1999) of a nationwide epidemiological survey. It was found that mood disorders and the experience of relationship difficulties are related to one another. This means that

1. earlier prevalence of mood disorders increased young adults' likelihood of subsequently experiencing a break-up/divorce and
2. reduced the likelihood of becoming a parent,

but at the same time mood disorders could be predicted by previously experienced relationship difficulties. On the other hand having a relatively unattached relationship status such as stably cohabiting or being married while not being a parent is related to the onset of substance disorders. Furthermore, depending on earlier partner relationship, mood disorders negatively affect individuals' chances of staying with one's partner (Overbeek, Vollebergh, Engels, & Meeus, 2003)

See also

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• Love shyness
• Human bonding

References

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• Battaglia, D. M., Richard, F. D., Datteri, D. L. & Lord, C. G. (1998). Breaking up is (relatively) easy to do: a script for the dissolution of close relationships. "Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 15", 829-845.
• Overbeek, G., Vollebergh, W., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Meeus, W. (2003). Young adults' relationship transitions and the incidence of mental disorders - A three-wave longitudinal study. "Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 38"(12), 669-676.

Interpersonal relationships