Question 1

Social psychologist John Gottman has made his reputation in the field of

Accepted Answer

John Gottman is best known for his work in marital communication, including his research on predicting divorces and his development of the "Four Horsemen" theory of communication styles in relationships.

Question 2

Sue Ellen feels that she has an unhappy relationship with her partner, Carole. She has been angry with Carole for a long time, but she won't express it openly. Sue Ellen's behavior reflects

Accepted Answer

Sue Ellen's behavior of not expressing her anger openly shows that she is refusing to express her anger.

Question 3

Counselors generally advise that an important aspect of learning to disagree involves expressing anger

Accepted Answer

Counselors generally advise that when learning to disagree, it's important to express anger directly but respectfully. By being direct, the other person is able to understand where you are coming from and can engage in a productive conversation. Expressing anger indirectly or passively aggressively can lead to confusion and may cause the other person to become defensive. Randomly expressing anger without context can also be unproductive and potentially harmful to the relationship.

Question 4

Huston and Melz called both bland and tempestuous unions because these two marriage types evidenced only one of two desirable attributes.

Accepted Answer

Huston and Melz referred to bland and tempestuous unions as "mixed blessing marriages" because these types of marriages exhibited only one desirable attribute, making them a mix of good and bad qualities.

Question 5

The feeling that one's spouse is inferior or undesirable reflects

Accepted Answer

Contempt is a feeling of disrespect or disgust towards one's partner, which can lead to expressions of superiority or belittlement. This can manifest as a belief that one's spouse is inferior or undesirable. Criticism, stonewalling, and belligerence all involve different negative behaviors and attitudes towards one's partner, but they do not necessarily reflect a belief in their inferiority or undesirability.

Question 6

Mark is angry because his wife invited friends over when he wanted to relax. He decides to act bored during the entire evening. Mark's behavior reflects

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mark is angry because his wife invited...

Question 7

Coping in which each partner attempts to cope with his or her own strain in ways that do not harm the relationship and also attend to the other's emotional needs is called

Accepted Answer

Relationship-focused coping involves both partners dealing with their individual stressors in a way that also supports the relationship and addresses the emotional needs of their partner. This type of coping is important for maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship. The other options - social bonding, listener backchanneling, and de-escalation coping - do not fit the description provided in the question.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

According to Branden and Sternberg, accepting one's partner's shortcomings is important in nourishing a romantic relationship. Avoiding taking the relationship for granted and expressing love through actions and words can also contribute to a healthy relationship. Sharing too much with close friends can complicate the relationship, and avoiding material expressions of love may not necessarily enhance the relationship.

Question 9

Joe refuses to listen to his wife, Luciana, and is particularly resistant to considering her complaints. Joe's behavior illustrates

Accepted Answer

Stonewalling occurs when one person withdraws from a conversation or refuses to engage in the discussion, particularly in response to another's complaints or grievances, which is what Joe is doing by not listening to Luciana.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Contempt, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and belligerence are often referred to as the "four horsemen of the apocalypse" in relationships. These negative communication patterns are strong indicators of an unhappy marriage and are often precursors to divorce.

Question 11

According to Shelly Gable's research the "correct" response by one partner to the other's having something positive happen is characterized by

Accepted Answer

According to Shelly Gable's research, the "correct" response by one partner to the other's having something positive happen is characterized by active enthusiasm, which includes showing genuine interest, excitement, and support for the partner's good news.

Question 12

Christina is angry with her husband Tyrone for spending too much time and energy on his business endeavors, and she expresses dislike for his very expensive car. This is an illustration of

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates displacement, where Christina is redirecting her anger towards her husband's business endeavors and expensive car instead of addressing the specific issue that is bothering her.

Question 13

Social psychologist John Gottman identified "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." Which of the following is NOT one of these?

Accepted Answer

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Sabotage is not one of them.

Question 14

One year into marriage, the average spouse says 'I love you,' hugs and kisses their partner, makes their partner laugh, and has sexual intercourse as often as when they were newly wed.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that one year into marriage, the frequency of saying 'I love you,' hugging and kissing, making each other laugh, and having sexual intercourse decreases to about half compared to when they were newlyweds. This change is attributed to the transition from the honeymoon phase to a more stable phase of the relationship.

Question 15

Psychologists Nathaniel Branden and Robert Sternberg have developed some rules for nourishing a romantically loving relationship. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

Accepted Answer

Being bluntly honest can sometimes cause more harm than good in a romantic relationship. Honesty is important, but it should be balanced with kindness and sensitivity towards your partner's feelings.

Question 16

Sociologist Judith Wallerstein conducted lengthy interviews with 50 predominantly white, middle-class couples in northern California. In order to participate, both husband and wife had to define their marriage as

Accepted Answer

Wallerstein's study focused on couples who defined their marriage as happy, aiming to understand the dynamics within these perceived successful relationships.

Question 17

involves making disapproving judgments or evaluations of one's partner.

Accepted Answer

Criticism involves making negative judgments or evaluations of one's partner. Defensiveness is a response to perceived criticism, sabotage is intentionally undermining a relationship, and belligerence is being hostile or aggressive towards one's partner.

Question 18

Chronic criticism, nagging, nitpicking, and sarcasm are all forms of

Accepted Answer

These behaviors are indicative of passive-aggression, where individuals express their negative feelings subtly rather than directly or openly.

Question 19

Mike's wife, Lynne, resents him going drinking with his friend Asher. Whenever this subject comes up, Mike makes comments like "What can you do if I go drinking with Asher?" and "What are you going to do about it?" Mike's behavior illustrates

Accepted Answer

Mike's behavior is an example of belligerence, which is characterized by aggressive or warlike behavior. His comments challenge Lynne in a confrontational manner, indicating a readiness to fight or argue.

Question 20

means preparing to defend oneself against what one presumes is an upcoming attack.

Accepted Answer

Defensiveness means preparing to defend oneself against what one presumes is an upcoming attack.

Quiz 11: Communication in Relationships, Marriages, and Families