Marriage Healthy Marriage Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which communication technique involves restating your spouse's words to confirm understanding?
- Mirroring (Correct answer)
- Deflecting
- Stonewalling
- Projecting
Correct answer: Mirroring
Mirroring involves reflecting back what your spouse has said to show you understand and validate their feelings.
Question 2: According to relationship research by Dr. John Gottman, what ratio of positive to negative interactions predicts a stable marriage?
- 1:1
- 3:1
- 5:1 (Correct answer)
- 10:1
Correct answer: 5:1
Dr. John Gottman's research found that stable marriages maintain a ratio of approximately 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction.
Question 3: What are the 'Four Horsemen' of relationship communication identified by Gottman?
- Lying, cheating, neglect, indifference
- Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling (Correct answer)
- Anger, sadness, fear, disgust
- Arguing, yelling, ignoring, blaming
Correct answer: Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling
Gottman's 'Four Horsemen' — criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — are communication patterns that predict relationship breakdown.
Question 4: What is 'active listening' in the context of marriage communication?
- Interrupting frequently to show interest
- Fully concentrating on and responding to your spouse's words (Correct answer)
- Nodding without paying attention
- Preparing your response while your spouse speaks
Correct answer: Fully concentrating on and responding to your spouse's words
Active listening means giving your full attention to your spouse, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully rather than just waiting to speak.
Question 5: What communication approach uses 'I feel' statements to express emotions without blame?
- Passive communication
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC) (Correct answer)
- Assertive criticism
- Reflective listening
Correct answer: Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) encourages using 'I feel' statements to express emotions and needs without attacking or blaming the partner.
Question 6: Which behavior is an example of 'stonewalling' in a marriage?
- Criticizing your spouse's character
- Shutting down and refusing to engage during conflict (Correct answer)
- Deflecting blame onto your spouse
- Bringing up past grievances during arguments
Correct answer: Shutting down and refusing to engage during conflict
Stonewalling occurs when one partner emotionally withdraws from a conversation and refuses to communicate, often during conflict.
Marriage Healthy Marriage Communication 1
Which communication technique involves restating your spouse's words to confirm understanding?