What intervention should a therapist use during conflict regulation with Negative Sentiment Override?

In the context of conflict regulation when dealing with Negative Sentiment Override, utilizing the Gottman-Rapoport intervention is particularly effective. This method emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy during conflicts, allowing partners to articulate their feelings and perspectives while ensuring that each person feels heard and understood.

Negative Sentiment Override occurs when a couple's perception of each other becomes overly negative, often due to unresolved conflicts and persistent negativity in their interactions. The Gottman-Rapoport technique encourages couples to step into each other's shoes and reflect on what the other person is saying, rather than immediately responding with defensiveness or criticism. This helps to break the cycle of negativity and fosters a more constructive dialogue.

Other interventions, while beneficial in different contexts, may not address the urgent need for empathy and understanding that is crucial when Negative Sentiment Override is present. The Love Maps framework focuses on building emotional intimacy, the Relaxation Exercise could help manage stress, and Rituals of Connection might enhance closeness, but none of these directly facilitate the crucial communication necessary to navigate and resolve the heightened emotional states associated with Negative Sentiment Override as effectively as the Gottman-Rapoport.