Cheryl finds that she always has to remind her ex-husband to pay child support, to pick up their son, and to be a good father. He ignores her repeated attempts to resolve their child-care conflicts and says he is too busy to talk to or deal with his son. What is this couple experiencing?
A) an integrative agreement
B) structural improvement
C) separation
D) a demand-withdraw pattern
E) escalation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The couple is experiencing a demand-withdraw pattern, where one partner (Cheryl) is demanding action or changes (in terms of child support, picking up their son, and being a good father), while the other partner (her ex-husband) withdraws by ignoring the demands and stating he is too busy to engage. This pattern is characterized by one partner seeking to engage in discussion or change, while the other avoids or withdraws from such interactions.

Cheryl Finds That She Always Has to Remind Her Ex-Husband