Layout 1

Figure 13.2 shows three models

illustrating certain factors involved in

divorce.

Causes of Divorce: Three Models.

Many men meet criticism with stonewalling—

refusing to engage or give feedback.

Divorce and Remarriage

Figure 13.2

Models Used to Explain Divorce

Model Early Marriage Difficulty Result

Enduring Dynamics

Model (Huston,

Niehaus, & Smith,

2001)

Establish patterns of

behavior that last

throughout marriage

Stability or instability

in the relationship is

created by behavior

patterns

Stability is the single

factor that distinguishes

who stays married and

who divorces

Disillusionment

Model (Huston,

Niehaus, & Smith,

2001)

Romanticize and

exaggerate partners

good qualities

Begin to see real

person which leads

to disillusionment

Learn to love the real

person or marriage

may end

Emergent – Distress

Model(Kurdeck,

2002)

Begin blissfully happy

and affectionate

Disagreements create

distress and negativity

Resolve differences or

negativity can lead to

divorce

Image from BigstockPhoto.com / fredgoldstein

• The enduring dynamics model
  suggests behavior patterns between
  spouses are established early in a
  marriage.These can fortify stability in
  the marriage or lead to instability and
  divorce (Huston,Niehaus,& Smith,
  2001).


• The disillusionment model explains
  how marriage partners idealize one
  another early in their relationship.
  After a while,they begin to see each
  other differently or as they“really are,”
  which can lead to disillusionment and
  divorce (Huston,Niehaus,& Smith,
  2001).


• The emergent-distress model suggests
  early marital happiness can be
  destroyed by negative marital
  disagreements (Kurdeck,2002).