Activity Overview
The cycle of unhealthy relationships is an important concept for students to understand when talking about healthy relationships. Each relationship is unique and it may be tough to compare one to another, but when there is abuse or unhealthy aspects, there is usually a pattern. This pattern, or cycle, can start with the honeymoon phase, continue into the tension building phase, move into the explosion phase, and finally enter the honeymoon phase again, continuing the cycle. This cycle does not have to be a romantic relationship; friends and family can go through this cycle and find it hard to get out.
Getting out of an unhealthy relationship is dangerous and tough. Recognizing the cycle of unhealthy relationships is the first step. After teaching the topics, have students create a storyboard that follows the cycle of an unhealthy relationship. Monitor students' creations for any inappropriate content. Students should not be using themselves or other peers a victims or aggressors. If needed, they can use the highly expressive, but less realistic, Stickies rather than the regular Storyboard That characters.
Honeymoon Phase
Everything seems to be going great with no issues or fights during the honeymoon phase. There may be apologies, gifts given, or promises made in order to maintain the facade of a happy relationship. This is a time period the abusers use to manipulate the victim into believing everything is okay - or will be again.
Tension Builds
The tension-building phase is when the aggressor seems to be getting agitated at small things, often yelling, fighting, or controlling parts of the relationship. This phase is where many red flags occur.
Explosion
The explosion phase is where the attack takes place. There can be different examples of outbursts of intimidation, emotional and verbal abuse, even physical abuse. Following the explosion, there is often an apology and manipulation of the honeymoon phase in order to keep the victim buying into the relationship.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows the unhealthy relationship cycle. Use different example relationships for each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Title the appropriate cells with each phase and fill in the description with your own definition.
- Illustrate the meaning of the phase in each cell using a combination of school-appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Three cells were used in a cycle formation with a title and description. The title was used to indicate the phase in each cell. The description effectively described the phase. The center title described the overall theme. | Three cells were used in a cycle formation with a title and description. The title was used to indicate the phase in each cell. The description adequately described the phase. The center title descried the overall theme. | The description inaccurately described the phase. The center title is missing. |
| Honeymoon Phase | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a positive or an apologetic theme. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a positive or an apologetic theme. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. |
| Tension Building | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a conflict. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a one sided conflict. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. |
| Explosion | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a form of abuse. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a form of abuse. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion. |
Activity Overview
The cycle of unhealthy relationships is an important concept for students to understand when talking about healthy relationships. Each relationship is unique and it may be tough to compare one to another, but when there is abuse or unhealthy aspects, there is usually a pattern. This pattern, or cycle, can start with the honeymoon phase, continue into the tension building phase, move into the explosion phase, and finally enter the honeymoon phase again, continuing the cycle. This cycle does not have to be a romantic relationship; friends and family can go through this cycle and find it hard to get out.
Getting out of an unhealthy relationship is dangerous and tough. Recognizing the cycle of unhealthy relationships is the first step. After teaching the topics, have students create a storyboard that follows the cycle of an unhealthy relationship. Monitor students' creations for any inappropriate content. Students should not be using themselves or other peers a victims or aggressors. If needed, they can use the highly expressive, but less realistic, Stickies rather than the regular Storyboard That characters.
Honeymoon Phase
Everything seems to be going great with no issues or fights during the honeymoon phase. There may be apologies, gifts given, or promises made in order to maintain the facade of a happy relationship. This is a time period the abusers use to manipulate the victim into believing everything is okay - or will be again.
Tension Builds
The tension-building phase is when the aggressor seems to be getting agitated at small things, often yelling, fighting, or controlling parts of the relationship. This phase is where many red flags occur.
Explosion
The explosion phase is where the attack takes place. There can be different examples of outbursts of intimidation, emotional and verbal abuse, even physical abuse. Following the explosion, there is often an apology and manipulation of the honeymoon phase in order to keep the victim buying into the relationship.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows the unhealthy relationship cycle. Use different example relationships for each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Title the appropriate cells with each phase and fill in the description with your own definition.
- Illustrate the meaning of the phase in each cell using a combination of school-appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Three cells were used in a cycle formation with a title and description. The title was used to indicate the phase in each cell. The description effectively described the phase. The center title described the overall theme. | Three cells were used in a cycle formation with a title and description. The title was used to indicate the phase in each cell. The description adequately described the phase. The center title descried the overall theme. | The description inaccurately described the phase. The center title is missing. |
| Honeymoon Phase | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a positive or an apologetic theme. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a positive or an apologetic theme. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the honeymoon phase. |
| Tension Building | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a conflict. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a one sided conflict. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the tension building phase. |
| Explosion | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion phase. The picture created reinforces the definition of the phase showing a form of abuse. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion phase. The picture created marginally reinforces the definition of the phase showing a form of abuse. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the explosion. |
How Tos about Cycle of an Unhealthy Relationship
How to Facilitate Safe Classroom Discussions About Unhealthy Relationship Cycles
Create a supportive environment by establishing clear ground rules for respectful listening and sharing. This helps students feel safe and valued during sensitive conversations.
Prepare students with anonymous question prompts
Distribute slips of paper or use digital tools where students can anonymously submit questions or concerns about unhealthy relationships. This encourages honest participation without fear of judgment.
Use age-appropriate scenarios to spark discussion
Present relatable, hypothetical situations that reflect the phases of the unhealthy relationship cycle. Ask students how they might respond or what support could look like in each phase.
Model and practice active listening skills
Teach students to listen without interrupting and to respond with empathy. Role-play scenarios to reinforce these skills and help students develop supportive communication strategies.
Connect students with trustworthy resources
Share information about school counselors, helplines, and safe adults students can turn to for help. Emphasize confidentiality and the importance of seeking support when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cycle of an Unhealthy Relationship
What is the cycle of an unhealthy relationship?
The cycle of an unhealthy relationship is a repeating pattern with phases like the honeymoon phase, tension building, explosion, and then returning to the honeymoon phase. Recognizing this cycle helps identify abuse or unhealthy behaviors in any relationship, not just romantic ones.
How can I teach students about the unhealthy relationship cycle?
To teach students about the unhealthy relationship cycle, introduce each phase with examples, then have students create a storyboard illustrating each phase using school-appropriate scenarios. This activity encourages understanding and safe discussion of the topic.
What are the phases of the unhealthy relationship cycle?
The main phases of the unhealthy relationship cycle are: 1) Honeymoon phase, 2) Tension building, 3) Explosion, and then the cycle repeats. Each stage has distinct behaviors and warning signs.
Why is it important for students to recognize the cycle of unhealthy relationships?
Recognizing the cycle helps students identify red flags, understand patterns of abuse, and know when to seek help. It empowers them to make healthier relationship choices and support others.
What are some safe ways for students to illustrate unhealthy relationship cycles in class activities?
Students can safely illustrate the cycle by using fictional characters, Stickies, or generic scenarios rather than real classmates. This keeps activities appropriate and comfortable for everyone.
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