Darla was moving some furniture, and in the process, her dog, Sammy, ran out the front door. Rather than accepting responsibility for leaving the door open, she yelled at her husband for not closing the door. According to Gottman, this is an example of which horseman of conflict?
A) Criticism
B) Contempt
C) Defensiveness
D) Stonewalling

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Defensiveness is a response aimed at protecting oneself from a perceived attack by denying responsibility, making excuses, or blaming the partner, as Darla did by blaming her husband instead of accepting responsibility for the situation.

Darla Was Moving Some Furniture, and in the Process, Her