Which item represents the Four Horsemen within conflict behavior?

Which item represents the Four Horsemen within conflict behavior?

• A. Honoring life dreams, building love maps, self-soothing, and turning toward
• B. Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling
• C. Positive affect, cognitive room, and turning toward
• D. Soft startups, family rituals, and compromise

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is recognizing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Gottman’s conflict theory—the four negative communication patterns that predict relationship trouble. The set that matches these destructive patterns is Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, which together undermine connection during disagreements and signal increasing distress if not addressed. The other options describe positive or constructive conflict strategies—like expressing appreciation and building intimacy, creating space to think (cognitive room) and turning toward bids, or starting conversations gently, maintaining rituals, and seeking compromise. Those are not the Four Horsemen; they represent healthier ways to interact in conflict.

The main idea tested is recognizing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Gottman’s conflict theory—the four negative communication patterns that predict relationship trouble. The set that matches these destructive patterns is Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, which together undermine connection during disagreements and signal increasing distress if not addressed. The other options describe positive or constructive conflict strategies—like expressing appreciation and building intimacy, creating space to think (cognitive room) and turning toward bids, or starting conversations gently, maintaining rituals, and seeking compromise. Those are not the Four Horsemen; they represent healthier ways to interact in conflict.