Marriage Conflict Resolution in Marriage 2

Question 1

What is 'contempt' in Gottman's Four Horsemen framework?

Accepted Answer

Treating a partner with disrespect, mockery, or a sense of superiority

Answer

Contempt involves treating a partner as inferior through mockery, eye-rolling, sarcasm, or name-calling, and is the strongest predictor of divorce.

Question 2

What is 'flooding' in the context of marital conflict?

Accepted Answer

A physiological state of being emotionally overwhelmed that makes productive discussion impossible

Answer

Flooding is when the body becomes overwhelmed by stress hormones during conflict, making it physiologically impossible to listen or problem-solve effectively.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of using 'I statements' during marital conflict?

Accepted Answer

To communicate your feelings without blaming your partner

Answer

'I statements' (e.g., 'I feel hurt when...') communicate feelings without blaming the partner, which reduces defensiveness and promotes understanding.

Question 4

What does 'defensiveness' typically look like in marital conflict?

Accepted Answer

Responding to complaints with counter-complaints or excuses

Answer

Defensiveness typically involves making excuses or counter-attacking when receiving a complaint, which escalates conflict rather than resolving it.

Question 5

Which conflict resolution strategy focuses on identifying the underlying needs behind each partner's stated demands?

Accepted Answer

Interest-based negotiation

Answer

Interest-based negotiation helps couples move beyond their stated positions to identify underlying needs, making it easier to find mutually satisfying solutions.

Marriage Practice Test

Marriage Practice Test

Marriage Conflict Resolution in Marriage 2