Which of the following is NOT one of the four horsemen listed by John Gottman?

In Gottman’s research on marital stability and relationship dynamics, the concept of the "Four Horsemen" refers to four negative behaviors that can lead to the deterioration of relationships. These four horsemen are defensiveness, stonewalling, contempt, and criticism.

Among the choices provided, empathy is notably absent from this destructive list. In fact, empathy is considered a positive relational quality, playing a critical role in conflict resolution and fostering connection between partners. It involves understanding and validating your partner's feelings, which counters the negative impact of the four horsemen.

Defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt are all toxic behaviors that inhibit effective communication and can escalate conflicts. Therefore, identifying empathy as not being one of the four horsemen reflects an understanding of the distinction between harmful behaviors and helpful relational skills.