The average person is considered flooded when their heartbeat exceeds what value?

In the context of Gottman’s Method Couples Therapy, the concept of emotional flooding refers to a state of overwhelming emotional arousal that can hinder a person’s ability to think clearly or engage effectively in a conversation. Research has indicated that when a person's heartbeat exceeds 100 beats per minute (bpm), they are considered to be in a state of flooding. This physiological response indicates heightened distress, often leading to an inability to process information rationally or communicate effectively.

The importance of recognizing the flooding threshold at 100 bpm is significant for couples in therapy, as it serves as a cue for individuals to take a step back from conflict to regain emotional balance. Understanding this physiological response helps in managing conflicts more constructively, encouraging partners to take breaks as needed when they identify that they are becoming flooded. The choice of 120 bpm, while perhaps reflective of a high level of emotional arousal, is not the standard threshold identified in Gottman’s work. Thus, the average person is considered flooded when their heartbeat exceeds 100 bpm, making this the correct answer.