In Gottman assessment, which indicators are used to evaluate trust?

• A. The number of apologies offered during a dispute
• B. Observed trust-building behaviors, reliability in interactions, consistency, maintenance of repair attempts, and RCQ domain scores
• C. The length of the relationship
• D. The amount of time spent on sexual activity

Answer: (B)

Trust in the Gottman assessment is evaluated through a mix of what you can observe in daily interactions and what people report about their relationship. The strongest approach combines behavioral signs with structured questionnaire data. Observed trust-building behaviors mean watching for actions that foster safety and confidence: partners respond supportively, listen attentively, validate each other, and follow through on commitments. Reliability in interactions ties to how predictable and dependable each partner is in how they respond and help the other member of the couple. Consistency goes beyond a single moment, showing steady patterns of engagement across different situations and over time. Maintenance of repair attempts highlights the importance of how couples handle slips or misunderstandings—whether they can repair and reconnect after a dispute, which directly reinforces trust. RCQ domain scores come from the Relationship Checkup—these are domain-based, self-report measures that quantify trust-related aspects of the relationship and provide a structured complement to what’s observed.

Together, these elements give a comprehensive picture of trust, rather than relying on a single factor. The other options don’t capture this multi-faceted approach: relationship length and time spent on sexual activity don’t directly measure trust, and while apologies can be part of repair, they don’t by themselves reflect the ongoing, broader trust dynamics the Gottman assessment examines.