Effective Communication in Anger Management Flashcards

Which technique involves repeating back what someone said in your own words to confirm understanding?

Answer: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates the speaker's message in your own words to verify accurate understanding and show you are listening.

When someone is venting anger at you, the most effective initial response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge their feelings before addressing content

Acknowledging feelings first de-escalates emotional intensity and signals that the person feels heard before problem-solving begins.

The term 'stonewalling' in communication refers to:

Answer: Emotionally withdrawing and refusing to engage

Stonewalling is a communication pattern where one party shuts down, withdraws, and stops responding, often escalating conflict.

In NAMA's framework, 'disarming' as a communication technique means:

Answer: Finding truth in the other person's criticism to reduce defensiveness

Disarming involves finding a kernel of truth in the other person's complaint, which reduces their need to escalate.

Which of the following is an example of a 'hidden agenda' that can sabotage effective communication?

Answer: Pretending to seek feedback while actually wanting validation

A hidden agenda occurs when the stated goal of a conversation differs from the actual goal, undermining genuine dialogue.

What does the communication principle of 'specificity' recommend when expressing a complaint?

Answer: Describe the precise behavior rather than making character judgments

Specificity focuses on observable behaviors ('You interrupted me three times') rather than character attacks ('You are rude'), making complaints easier to act on.

Which physiological state makes productive communication most difficult during a conflict?

Answer: Physiological flooding with heart rate above 100 bpm

Physiological flooding (heart rate above ~100 bpm) impairs higher-order thinking needed for effective communication, making a time-out necessary.