Marriage Healthy Marriage Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'I-statement' in marital communication?
- A statement that starts with 'I think you should...'
- A statement expressing your own feelings and needs without blaming (Correct answer)
- A formal demand presented in writing
- A statement made during therapy sessions only
Correct answer: A statement expressing your own feelings and needs without blaming
An I-statement expresses how you feel and what you need without blaming your partner, such as 'I feel hurt when plans change without notice.'
Question 2: What is 'contempt' in Gottman's relationship research?
- Disagreeing with your partner
- Treating your partner with disrespect and moral superiority (Correct answer)
- Avoiding conflict at all costs
- Spending too much time apart
Correct answer: Treating your partner with disrespect and moral superiority
Contempt, the strongest predictor of divorce according to Gottman, involves treating your partner with disgust, mockery, or a sense of superiority.
Question 3: What is meant by a 'soft startup' in marital communication?
- Starting a difficult conversation gently without blame or criticism (Correct answer)
- Beginning therapy sessions slowly
- Easing into physical affection after conflict
- Starting a new morning routine together
Correct answer: Starting a difficult conversation gently without blame or criticism
A soft startup means raising a concern in a gentle, non-blaming way, which helps prevent conflict escalation from the very beginning of a discussion.
Question 4: What does 'flooding' mean in the context of marital conflict?
- Bringing up too many complaints at once
- Becoming emotionally overwhelmed during an argument (Correct answer)
- Oversharing personal problems with friends
- Arguing in public spaces
Correct answer: Becoming emotionally overwhelmed during an argument
Flooding is when a partner becomes so emotionally overwhelmed during conflict that they can no longer think clearly or have a productive conversation.
Question 5: Which communication habit helps couples feel connected and appreciated on a daily basis?
- Weekly formal check-ins only
- Daily expressions of appreciation and gratitude (Correct answer)
- Avoiding difficult topics indefinitely
- Scheduling all conversations in advance
Correct answer: Daily expressions of appreciation and gratitude
Expressing daily appreciation and gratitude builds emotional connection and strengthens the positive interaction ratio in marriage.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'relationship check-in' between spouses?
- To document grievances for future arguments
- To regularly assess the state of the relationship and address concerns proactively (Correct answer)
- To report your daily schedule
- To compare your relationship to others
Correct answer: To regularly assess the state of the relationship and address concerns proactively
A relationship check-in is a scheduled, low-pressure conversation where spouses discuss how the relationship is going and address any concerns before they escalate.
Marriage Healthy Marriage Communication 2
What is an 'I-statement' in marital communication?