Question: What determines whether a relationship will last, or break down?

Assignment Brief

Your essay should address one of the following questions and you are required to use relevant scientific literature (e.g. journal publication) to support your arguments.

If this is the second attempt at this assessment you MUST choose a different essay question to the one you submitted on your first attempt. Please use any written or verbal feedback obtained for your first attempt to help you with your second attempt.

Choose only ONE question from the list below:

Essay Question 1: Is there an effective explanation for human aggression? 

Essay Question2: What determines whether a relationship will last, or break down?

Need to choose one of these questions and write an essay about it.

Sample Answer

What Determines Whether a Relationship Will Last, or Break Down?

Introduction

Romantic relationships are an important part of many people`s lives. Some relationships last for many years, while others break down after a short time. This essay will explore the key factors that influence whether a relationship will continue or end. It will look at communication, emotional connection, attachment styles, external pressures, and psychological theories. Research studies and psychological models will be used to support the discussion.

Communication

One of the most important factors in a lasting relationship is good communication. Partners who talk openly and honestly about their feelings, problems, and needs are more likely to stay together (Gottman & Levenson, 1992). Dr. John Gottman, a well-known relationship expert, found that couples who manage conflict in a respectful way and avoid criticism, contempt, and defensiveness tend to have stronger relationships.

Poor communication, on the other hand, often leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and emotional distance. If problems are ignored or handled badly, small issues can grow into bigger ones and lead to break-up.

Emotional Intimacy and Support

Another key factor is the level of emotional intimacy and support between partners. When people feel loved, valued, and supported, they are more likely to stay in a relationship (Reis & Shaver, 1988). Shared experiences, trust, and affection build a strong emotional bond.

If one or both partners feel neglected, lonely, or emotionally disconnected, they may start looking for connection elsewhere or feel unhappy, which can lead to separation.

Attachment Style

A person’s attachment style can affect how they behave in relationships. According to Bowlby’s Attachment Theory (1969), people develop emotional bonds based on early relationships with caregivers. Adults can have secure, anxious, or avoidant attachment styles.

• Securely attached individuals are more likely to have healthy, long-lasting relationships.

• Anxiously attached people may fear abandonment and become clingy or overly dependent.

• Avoidantly attached people may struggle with closeness and pull away when things get too emotional.

Research shows that couples with matching or secure attachment styles have better chances of staying together (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007).

Life Stress and External Pressures

Relationships are also affected by external factors, such as money problems, work stress, family issues, and health concerns. These can create tension and test the strength of the relationship.

Couples who can support each other through tough times are more likely to last. On the other hand, if stress causes arguments or reduces quality time together, it can lead to emotional distance and eventual break-up (Karney & Bradbury, 1995).

Investment Model of Relationships

Psychologist Caryl Rusbult developed the Investment Model to explain why people stay in or leave relationships. It suggests that people stay when:

• They are satisfied

• They have invested a lot (e.g. time, emotions, shared memories)

• They don’t have better alternatives

According to Rusbult (1980), people who are happy and feel they’ve invested a lot are more likely to stay, even when the relationship faces problems.

Personality and Compatibility

A couple’s personality traits and compatibility can also influence relationship success. Traits like kindness, patience, and flexibility are helpful, while selfishness or high levels of neuroticism may cause conflict (Robins et al., 2000).

Having shared values, interests, and goals can help partners stay connected. Differences don’t always lead to break-up, but they can if partners are unwilling to compromise.

Continued...