What is the role of a positive perspective in Gottman therapy and how is it cultivated?

• A. It helps couples stay connected during conflict; cultivated by highlighting strengths, reframing problems, and focusing on what works.
• B. It guarantees immediate resolution of all issues.
• C. It discourages exploring underlying emotions.
• D. It suggests avoiding repairs during arguments.

Answer: (A)

In Gottman therapy, a positive perspective acts as a relational buffer that helps couples stay connected and move forward during conflicts. It creates a warmer climate that supports repair attempts and keeps interactions from tipping into contempt or defensiveness. This perspective is cultivated by deliberately noticing and naming each other’s strengths, reframing problems in a way that reduces blame, and focusing on what is already working or has worked in the past. By emphasizing these constructive elements, couples build trust and resilience, making it easier to navigate disagreements without letting negativity derail the relationship.

The other ideas don’t fit because a positive perspective does not guarantee immediate resolution of every issue, nor does it discourage exploring underlying emotions or encourage avoiding repairs. Instead, it complements deeper emotional work and ongoing repair efforts by keeping the relationship’s positive, collaborative thread present even in tension.