What is the purpose of the "Four Horsemen antidotes" in conflict resolution?

The "Four Horsemen antidotes" are specifically designed to counteract the detrimental communication behaviors identified by John Gottman as harmful to relationships, known as the Four Horsemen: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Each antidote aims to promote healthier communication patterns, thereby facilitating conflict resolution.

For example, when conflict arises, employing the antidote for criticism would involve speaking in terms of one's own feelings and needs rather than casting blame. Thus, the core purpose of these antidotes is to provide strategies for couples to replace negative interactions with constructive and empathetic dialogues, ultimately strengthening their relationship. This approach significantly reduces the escalation of conflicts and fosters more productive discussions, aligning perfectly with the overarching goal of enhancing relationship satisfaction and resilience.