Psychology Academy

Communication & Conflict

Misunderstanding, defensiveness, criticism, empathy, repair attempts and difficult conversations.

Articles in this cluster

Article8 min read

The Four Horsemen: how arguments predict breakdown — and what the research really shows

Criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling are the four conflict behaviours John Gottman's laboratory linked to relationship breakdown. The idea is useful and well grounded. The famous '94% accuracy' claim is not. Here is how to use the Four Horsemen honestly — including the antidotes.

Strong research base

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Article7 min read

Demand–withdraw: the conflict loop that drives couples apart

One partner raises an issue and presses for a response; the other goes quiet, changes the subject or leaves the room. Each move makes the other more likely. Demand–withdraw is one of the most studied conflict patterns in relationship science — and one of the most fixable once both people can see it.

Strong research base

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