Can Your Disagreements Determine if You Will Get Divorced?

Renowned marriage psychologist John Gottman PhD claims that he can predict whether spouses will get divorced with 90 percent accuracy after speaking with them for just a few minutes. His research and methods have earned him plenty of publicity – including appearances on Anderson Cooper, Oprah, and NPR’s This American Life.

To determine whether he believes spouses will get divorced, Dr. Gottman examines the way they fight. He brings up an area of conflict, and then looks for four key patterns that – he says – are nearly surefire signs of an eventual divorce.

Dr. Gottman’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”

Dr. Gottman calls these four patterns his, “four horsemen of the apocalypse.” In more prosaic terms, these are four patterns of communication that may suggest either lack of compatibility or lack of appreciation, both of which can often lead to divorce. So, what are the “four horsemen”?

Criticism
Criticism involves not just finding fault in your spouse, but rather examines why you find fault in their thoughts or behavior. Dr. Gottman asserts that when one spouse suggests that the other’s character or personality is flawed, this constitutes a form of criticism that indicates a likelihood of divorce.

Defensiveness
Defensiveness is a common response to criticism, and is another potential harbinger of divorce. Instead of getting defensive, Dr. Gottman suggests being open to finding the truth in what your spouse is saying. Avoiding defensiveness is about taking responsibility instead of arguing back with justifications or excuses.

Contempt
Dr. Gottman states that contempt is the single greatest predictor of divorce. By contempt, he means acting or speaking in such a way as to suggest that you are superior to your spouse. Eye-rolling, insults, mockery, and name-calling are all expressions of contempt that tend to come out during fights.

Stonewalling
If you or your partner “shut down” during fights, this too can be a warning sign of potential divorce. Stonewalling can be a passive way of communicating disinterest and apathy, both of which lead to unhealthy relationships. Interestingly, Dr. Gottman also asserts that stonewalling can be the product of a spouse becoming overwhelmed by fighting – and being physiologically unable to cope with the conflict. This too can be an indicator that a marriage will end prematurely.

It’s Not If You Fight, But How You Fight

Dr. Gottman is not alone in his assessment that fighting alone is not necessarily a warning sign, but rather how spouses fight is what truly matters. In fact, many experts say that some constructive fighting can actually be healthy for a marital relationship. But, if your fights are harmful and unproductive – or if they ever lead to domestic violence – experts suggest that this can signal long-term incompatibility.

Contact an Orlando Divorce Attorney at McMichen, Cinami & Demps

If you are considering a divorce, the experienced Orlando divorce attorneys at McMichen, Cinami & Demps can help you explore your options and develop a plan for ending your marriage.

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803