The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention.