Which of the following is among Gottman’s Four Horsemen?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is among Gottman’s Four Horsemen?

Gottman’s Four Horsemen describe destructive patterns in how couples communicate, and Contempt is one of them. Contempt shows disrespect and a sense of moral superiority toward your partner, often through sarcasm, mockery, sneering, or disgust. This attitude destroys trust and connection far more than simple disagreement because it communicates that the other person is worthless. It’s a strong predictor of relationship dissolution when frequent. The other options are not part of the Four Horsemen. Empathy, compassion, and acceptance are constructive, supportive behaviors that foster understanding and closeness, not destructive patterns. So Contempt is the correct choice because it specifically identifies one of the damaging communication styles Gottman identified.

Gottman’s Four Horsemen describe destructive patterns in how couples communicate, and Contempt is one of them. Contempt shows disrespect and a sense of moral superiority toward your partner, often through sarcasm, mockery, sneering, or disgust. This attitude destroys trust and connection far more than simple disagreement because it communicates that the other person is worthless. It’s a strong predictor of relationship dissolution when frequent.

The other options are not part of the Four Horsemen. Empathy, compassion, and acceptance are constructive, supportive behaviors that foster understanding and closeness, not destructive patterns. So Contempt is the correct choice because it specifically identifies one of the damaging communication styles Gottman identified.

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