Exam 12: Communication in Relationships, Marriages, and Families

When Desmond and Penny argue, Desmond often says gets very quiet and insists that nothing is wrong even when he is upset. He is engaging in a mixed message called ____________.

Many married couples may feel uncomfortable about expressing anger directly.

According to the text, contempt, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and belligerence

You have been asked to evaluate the communication patterns of a couple experiencing marital difficulties. Discuss the aspects of their communication patterns that you would specifically look for in order to help them work through conflicts in positive ways.

__________ refers to conversation aimed mainly at conveying information.

In her research on marital communication, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick has found variation among happy couples in their __________ , or ideas about the roles they should play, expectations for closeness and/or distance, and attitudes toward conflict.

The text observes that when faced with a complaint from their partner, men tend to withdraw emotionally while women do not. This response is so common that therapists have named it the "__________ pattern."

Which of the following is the most helpful "I-statement"?

According to John Gottman and his colleagues, when one partner's first negative expression is reciprocated with an escalation of the negativity, this reflects

In displacement, a person directs anger at people or things that the other cherishes.

According to psychologists Nathaniel Branden and Robert Sternberg, in order to nourish a romantically loving relationship, couples should

__________ is a behavior that is provocative and that challenges the spouse's power and authority.

Joline and David have been married for several years. They respond to each other warmly, with interest, affection, and shared humor. Joline and David's behavior reflect

When Nick Stinnett made his observations of family strengths, six qualities stood out. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

Mike has agreed to go out to eat with his wife Ellen, but at the same time yawns and says that he is tired and had a hard day at work. Mike's behavior illustrates

Stinnett found that members of strong families had a high degree of commitment to promoting one another's happiness and welfare and to the family group as a whole.

Social psychologist John Gottman's research has shown that conflict and anger themselves predict divorce.

According to classification by researchers Huston and Melz, which type of marriage is low on showing signs of love and affection but also low on antagonism?

Avoiding or evading a fight is an example of

There is no such thing as __________ conflict.