CRC Relationship Dynamics & Conflict Resolution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Gottman Method, which communication pattern is referred to as a 'Four Horseman' that involves shutting down emotionally and withdrawing from interaction?
- Criticism
- Contempt
- Stonewalling (Correct answer)
- Defensiveness
Correct answer: Stonewalling
Stonewalling occurs when one partner withdraws from interaction, shuts down emotionally, and becomes unresponsive, often as a response to feeling overwhelmed.
Question 2: A couple reports that arguments always escalate because each partner feels the other never truly listens. As a relationship coach, which technique would BEST address this pattern?
- Advising them to take separate vacations to reset
- Teaching reflective listening and structured dialogue (Correct answer)
- Recommending they avoid discussing conflict topics
- Encouraging them to resolve issues through text messages
Correct answer: Teaching reflective listening and structured dialogue
Reflective listening and structured dialogue (e.g., Imago dialogue or active listening exercises) directly address the pattern of not feeling heard by requiring partners to mirror and validate each other.
Question 3: Which conflict resolution style is characterized by one partner consistently sacrificing their own needs to maintain peace in the relationship?
- Competing
- Avoiding
- Accommodating (Correct answer)
- Collaborating
Correct answer: Accommodating
Accommodating involves yielding to the other person's preferences at the expense of one's own needs, often to preserve harmony but risking resentment over time.
Question 4: When using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in couples coaching, what is the correct sequence of its four components?
- Feelings, Observations, Needs, Requests
- Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests (Correct answer)
- Needs, Feelings, Observations, Requests
- Requests, Needs, Feelings, Observations
Correct answer: Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests
NVC, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, follows the sequence: Observations (factual), Feelings (emotional response), Needs (underlying needs), and Requests (specific actionable ask).
Question 5: A client describes a recurring argument pattern where small triggers lead to explosive fights that leave both partners exhausted and unresolved. This pattern MOST likely reflects which dynamic?
- Healthy assertiveness
- A negative sentiment override loop (Correct answer)
- Productive conflict engagement
- Secure attachment expression
Correct answer: A negative sentiment override loop
Negative sentiment override, a Gottman concept, occurs when negative emotions color all interactions so that even neutral or positive bids are interpreted negatively, escalating minor triggers into major conflicts.
Question 6: Which approach to conflict resolution focuses on separating the people from the problem and focusing on interests rather than positions?
- Win-lose negotiation
- Principled negotiation (Fisher & Ury) (Correct answer)
- Emotional freedom technique
- Transactional analysis
Correct answer: Principled negotiation (Fisher & Ury)
Principled negotiation, developed by Fisher and Ury in 'Getting to Yes,' emphasizes separating people from problems and negotiating on interests rather than entrenched positions.
Question 7: In systems theory applied to relationships, the concept of 'homeostasis' refers to which dynamic?
- Partners naturally growing and evolving together over time
- The relationship system's tendency to maintain its current balance even when change is needed (Correct answer)
- Equal distribution of power between partners
- Both partners reaching the same emotional maturity level
Correct answer: The relationship system's tendency to maintain its current balance even when change is needed
Homeostasis in relationship systems theory describes the system's pull toward maintaining its existing equilibrium, which can resist healthy change even when the current balance is dysfunctional.
CRC Relationship Dynamics & Conflict Resolution 2
In the Gottman Method, which communication pattern is referred to as a 'Four Horseman' that involves shutting down emotionally and withdrawing from interaction?