What does Gottman suggest about the role of negative affect reciprocity?

• A. Negative affect reciprocity indicates that anger is often reciprocated, leading to escalation in conflicts.
• B. It means partners never express anger.
• C. It refers to reciprocal positive statements.
• D. It describes the fatigue after arguments.

Answer: (C)

Negative affect reciprocity refers to a pattern where one partner’s expression of negative emotion prompts the other to respond with similar negativity, creating an escalating cycle. Gottman emphasizes that when anger or criticism is met with more anger or negativity, conflicts tend to magnify rather than get resolved. This reciprocal negativity undermines problem-solving, increases defensiveness, and can erode trust over time. It’s different from positive affect reciprocity, where warmth and supportive comments are returned and tend to help de-escalate interactions. The idea described here is that anger is often reciprocated, fueling escalation in the argument.