Which question addresses obstacles to the marriage such as external stressors or internal barriers?

• A. Turn toward
• B. Stonewalling
• C. The Sound Marital House Questionnaire
• D. Potential sources of resistance

Answer: (D)

In Gottman therapy, obstacles to the marriage, whether external stressors or internal barriers, are captured by the idea of potential sources of resistance. This term specifically names factors that hinder progress or change in the relationship, such as financial pressures, work demands, or lingering negative interaction patterns inside the couple. Identifying these potential sources of resistance helps clinicians tailor interventions to reduce those barriers—addressing how external stress affects communication, and how internal barriers like defensiveness or pessimism undermine efforts to connect. The other options describe specific behaviors or tools: turning toward is about how partners respond to bids for connection, stonewalling is withdrawal in response to strain, and the Sound Marital House Questionnaire is a measurement instrument rather than a label for obstacles to change.