What are the implications of "stonewalling" for couples, according to Gottman?

The idea of "stonewalling" in couples, as identified by Dr. John Gottman, refers to a situation where one partner withdraws from the interaction and stops responding to the other, creating a barrier to communication and connection. This behavior is significant because it contributes to emotional disengagement within the relationship. When one partner shuts down or becomes unresponsive during discussions, particularly during conflicts, it often leads to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and disconnection in the other partner.

Gottman's research indicates that stonewalling can exacerbate conflict rather than resolve it. The partner who is stonewalling may inadvertently communicate a lack of interest or investment in resolving issues, which can leave the other partner feeling shut out and unsupported. Over time, repeated instances of stonewalling can lead to a deterioration of trust and intimacy in the relationship, making it more difficult to navigate conflicts productively.

In contrast, enhanced communication skills or emotional engagement would require a willingness to discuss feelings and engage with each other, which stonewalling directly undermines. It also contradicts the idea that stonewalling has no significant effect; its negative consequences are well-documented in Gottman's research and can seriously affect relationship health. Thus, the implications of stonewalling underscore