Conflict Communication Concepts

Questions and Answers

What does gunny sacking refer to?

A type of apology

A method of conflict resolution

Storing up old grievances and dumping them during a conflict (correct)

A communication technique

The four horsemen of the apocalypse are ________, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

criticism

What is the definition of criticism?

Personal attacks that blame someone else for a problem.

What does defensiveness involve?

Defending oneself by communicating 'it's not me, it's you'. Signup and view all the answers

What does contempt communicate?

An air of superiority and is often a byproduct of longstanding problems in a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is stonewalling?

Occurs after a longer conflict pattern has become pervasive in the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gunny Sacking

Refers to the act of accumulating unresolved grievances over time.
In conflicts, individuals may "dump" these accumulated issues on their partner, exacerbating arguments.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Represents a framework identifying negative communication patterns that can predict relationship failure.
Includes four key behaviors: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Criticism

Involves making personal attacks that attribute blame to a partner for a specific issue.
It is different from a complaint, as it targets the character of the individual rather than addressing the behavior.

Defensiveness

Involves a defensive response that shifts blame away from oneself, articulated as "it's not me, it's you."
This behavior prevents constructive dialogue and resolution of issues.

Contempt

Expresses a sense of superiority over a partner, often manifested through sarcasm, mockery, or disdain.
Typically arises from ongoing relationship problems and can lead to significant emotional harm.

Stonewalling

Characterized by emotional withdrawal during a conflict, often following a cycle of criticism, defensiveness, and contempt.
This behavior signifies that one partner disengages, halting communication and hindering resolution efforts.

Description

Explore pivotal concepts related to conflict communication through flashcards. This quiz covers terms such as 'Gunny sacking' and the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,' which illustrate common conflict pitfalls in relationships. Enhance your understanding of these dynamics and improve your communication skills.