Among the four horsemen described by Gottman, which is men more likely to demonstrate?

The correct answer indicates that men are more likely to demonstrate stonewalling among the four horsemen identified by John Gottman. Stonewalling refers to a behavior where a person withdraws from a conversation or situation, essentially shutting down and refusing to engage emotionally or communicatively. This behavior can stem from feeling overwhelmed or flooded during conflicts, and it often manifests as silence, evasiveness, or a complete lack of response.

Research within the context of relationships has shown that men may tend to resort to stonewalling as a defense mechanism when faced with emotional distress, particularly in conflict situations. This tendency can be attributed to socialization patterns that often encourage men to disengage rather than engage in emotional dialogue. Stonewalling can lead to significant problems in relationships, as it often leaves partners feeling unheard and increases emotional distance.

In contrast, the other behaviors—criticism, defensiveness, and contempt—while they may also be exhibited by either gender, are not as strongly associated with men as stonewalling is. Understanding these specific behaviors and their effects on relationships can be pivotal in therapeutic settings, allowing practitioners to help couples navigate conflicts more effectively.