Activity six

Reading Assignment: (Galvin, Braithwaite, & Bylund)

Chapter 9 Communication and Family Conflict

Discussion Activity

Observe a couple interacting and pay attention to their communication style.  The couple may be one that you know or one that you observe on television or the movies. Answer the following questions:

1.  What does the couple's communication style say about the power balance in the relationship?  Is is competitive, complementary, or parallel?

2.  How differentiated or integrated is the couple's relationship?

3.  Are there any signs of Gottman's 4 horses of the apocalypse?  If so, what are they?

4.  What was your reaction to reading about Gottman's 4 horses of the apocalypse?  Can you relate to these communication styles?  How easy do you think they are to change?  

5.  Describe some strategies you could possibly suggest to the couple to resolve any conflict.