What is the correct sequence of the three stages in the Cycle of Violence?

What is the correct sequence of the three stages in the Cycle of Violence?

• A. Honeymoon; Tension building; Explosion
• B. Explosion; Honeymoon; Tension
• C. Tension building; Honeymoon; Explosion
• D. Tension building; Explosion; Honeymoon

Answer: (D)

This question centers on the sequence of the three stages in the Cycle of Violence. The pattern begins with growing tension as conflicts escalate, then a violent explosive incident occurs, and finally a honeymoon phase where the abuser apologizes, minimizes, or promises to change, temporarily restoring calm. Because the cycle renews, the honeymoon then fades and tension builds again, starting the pattern over. So the correct order is: tension building, then explosion, then honeymoon. Starting with the honeymoon or placing the explosive incident last doesn’t fit how the cycle unfolds, since the remorse and reconciliation come after the violence, not before.

This question centers on the sequence of the three stages in the Cycle of Violence. The pattern begins with growing tension as conflicts escalate, then a violent explosive incident occurs, and finally a honeymoon phase where the abuser apologizes, minimizes, or promises to change, temporarily restoring calm. Because the cycle renews, the honeymoon then fades and tension builds again, starting the pattern over.

So the correct order is: tension building, then explosion, then honeymoon. Starting with the honeymoon or placing the explosive incident last doesn’t fit how the cycle unfolds, since the remorse and reconciliation come after the violence, not before.