Cascade Model of Relational Dissolution: Difference between revisions

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The '''Cascade Model of Relational Dissolution''' (also known as '''Gottman's Four Horsemen''') is a relational communications theory that proposes four critically negative behaviors that lead to the breakdown of marital and romantic relationships.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of interpersonal communication|last=Knapp, M.L.|first=Daly, John A.|publisher=SAGE Publications|year=2002|isbn=0-7619-2160-5|pages=270}}</ref> ThisThe model is the work of psychological researcher [[John Gottman]], a professor at the [[University of Washington]] and founder of [[The Gottman Institute]], and his research partner, Robert W. Levenson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gottman.com/about/research/|title=Overview - Research|website=The Gottman Institute|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref> This theory focuses on the negative influence of [[Linguistics|verbal]] and [[nonverbal communication]] habits on the success and/or failure of marriages and other relationships.<ref name=":02" /> Gottman's model uses a metaphor that compares the four negative communication styles that lead to the breakdown of a relationship's breakdown to the biblical [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]], wherein each behavior, or horseman, compounds the problems of the previous one, leading to the total breakdown of communication in a relationship.<ref name=":02" />

== Background ==

Gottman's and Levenson's research focuses on differentiating failed and successful marriages and notes that nonverbal emotional displays progress in a linear pattern, creating a negativean emotional and physical response that leads to withdrawal.<ref name=":02" /> Prior toUntil the development of the model (1992-1994), little research had been conducted that focused on finding specific interactive behaviors and processes that resultedresult in marital dissatisfaction, separation, and [[divorce]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal|last=Gottman|first=John M.|date=1993|title=A theory of marital dissolution and stability.|journal=Journal of Family Psychology|volume=7|issue=1|pages=57–75|doi=10.1037/0893-3200.7.1.57|issn=0893-3200}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last1=Gottman|first1=John M.|last2=Levenson|first2=Robert W.|date=1992|title=Marital processes predictive of later dissolution: Behavior, physiology, and health.|journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology|volume=63|issue=2|pages=221–233|doi=10.1037/0022-3514.63.2.221|pmid=1403613|issn=0022-3514}}</ref> Additionally, Gottman's and Levenson's research indicated that not all negative interactions, like [[anger]], are predictive of relational separation and divorce.<ref name=":12" /> However,But Gottman's researchit shows a strong correlation between the presence of contempt in a marriage and the couple's likelihood towardsof divorce as a consequence.

Gottman's and Levenson's research notes that the "cascade toward relational dissolution" can be predicted by the regulation, orof non-regulation, ofcouples' positive toand negative interactions of couples, with couples that regulatedregulate their positive-to-negative interactions being significantly less likely to experience the cascade.<ref name=":12" /> This research has been furthered by looking at ways to intervene in the cascade communication process, and its application to other types and models of relationships, including homosexual marriages.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last1=Garanzini|first1=Salvatore|last2=Yee|first2=Alapaki|last3=Gottman|first3=John|last4=Gottman|first4=Julie|last5=Cole|first5=Carrie|last6=Preciado|first6=Marisa|last7=Jasculca|first7=Carolyn|date=October 2017|title=Results of Gottman Method Couples Therapy with Gay and Lesbian Couples|journal=Journal of Marital and Family Therapy|language=en|volume=43|issue=4|pages=674–684|doi=10.1111/jmft.12276|pmid=28940625}}</ref>

== Four Horsemen of Relational Apocalypse ==

Gottman's and Levenson's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse theory is centeredcenters around the concept that the behaviors below work in a cascade model, in which one leads to the other, creating a continued environment of negativity and hostility. This creates marital dissatisfaction, leadsleading to considerations of marital dissolution, separation, and finally, permanent dissolution.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last1=Fowler|first1=Craig|last2=Dillow|first2=Megan R.|date=2011-02-02|title=Attachment Dimensions and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse|journal=Communication Research Reports|volume=28|issue=1|pages=16–26|doi=10.1080/08824096.2010.518910|s2cid=143729646|issn=0882-4096}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":02" />

=== Horseman One: Criticismcriticism ===

[[Criticism]] is the first indication of the Cascade Model and is an attack on the partner's character.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/|title=The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling|date=2013-04-24|website=The Gottman Institute|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-07}}</ref> CriticismGottman isdefines defined by Gottmancriticism as a type of complaint that blames or attacks a partner's personality or character.<ref name=":5" /> Critical comments often materialize in chained comments and are communicated throughin broad, absolute statements like ‘‘you"‘you never’’never’" or ‘‘you"you always".’’’<ref name=":5" /> Research indicates that non-regulated couples, or couples whose interaction trended more negative, engaged more frequently in criticism and were more likely to begin the Cascade of Dissolution.<ref name=":2" /> Gottman's and Levenson's research found thethat wifewives's criticism correlated to separation and possible dissolution, but this was not so with husbands.<ref name=":12" />

One possible solution to avoiding criticism is to grow the culture in a marriage to include a well-held vulnerability. This means that those in the marriage should feel safe enough to express their opinions and frustrations without the fear of rejection. Criticism does not allow partners to be vulnerable with each other, and their relationship can quickly deteriorate as a result. One may consider using more “I”"I" statements and expressive language in order to overcome criticism. An example of an "I" statement may beis: "When I am feeling frustrated, I tend to become more irritable and begin to hyper-focus on your flaws to blame someone for my negative feelings" using an. "I" statementstatements allowsallow a spouse to take responsibility for their own feelings rather than blaming the other spouse for their perspective and emotional reactions. ItThey buildsbuild emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and helpshelp them to avoidprevent cycles of criticism and defensiveness.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gottman.com/blog/types-of-criticism-expressing-concern-or-complaint-without-harm/ | title=Types of Criticism: Expressing Concern or Complaint without Harm | date=3 March 2022 }}</ref>

<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gottman.com/blog/types-of-criticism-expressing-concern-or-complaint-without-harm/ | title=Types of Criticism: Expressing Concern or Complaint without Harm | date=3 March 2022 }}</ref>

=== Horseman Two: Defensivenessdefensiveness ===

[[Defensiveness]] is a reaction to pervasive criticism whichthat often results in responding to criticism with more criticism, and sometimes contempt, and the second level of the Cascade Model.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":3" /> Defensiveness is a protective behavior and is indicated by shifting [[blame]] and avoiding responsibility, often in an attempt to defend against the first two horsemen.<ref name=":3" /> Defensiveness stems from an internal response to protect one's pride and self-worth. The body may go into fight -or -flight mode to protect against a perceived threat in the defensive stage. Fowler and Dillow also characterize defensiveness as utilizingusing negative counter-attackcounterattack behaviors such as [[Frustration|whining]], making negative assumptions about the other's feelings, and denials of responsibility.<ref name=":5" /> Gottman's and Levenson's research found defensiveness to be strongest amongstamong men.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":12" />

=== Horseman Three: Contempt ===

[[Contempt]] is the result of repetitive criticism and is driven by a lack of [[admiration]] and respect.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /> It is the third level of the Cascade Model. Contempt is expressed verbally through mocking, sarcasm, and indignation, with an attempt to claim moral- superiority over the otherone's partner.<ref name=":3" /> ContemptIt can also be indicated nonverbally, byas with [[eye-rolling]], and scoffing''.''<ref name=":5" /> Underlying this behavior is Gottman's and Levenson's research which found contempt to be the strongest predictor of relational dissolution, with contempt beingand the strongest overall predictor for women.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":12" />

=== Horseman Four: Stonewallingstonewalling ===

[[Stonewalling]] is the final phase of the model and is a reaction to the previous three behaviors. Stonewalling occurs when parties create mental and physical distance to avoid conflict by appearing busy, responding in grunts, and disengaging from the communication process.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /> Gottman's and Levenson's research found stonewallingit to be most common among men and a very challenging behavior to redirect, once it becamebecomes habitual.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":12" />

== Gottman's research in predicting divorce ==