Describe John Gottman’s work in predicting the success of a relationship (Gottman, 2011). Think about your own relationship with a romantic partner or close friend. How does your style of communication affect this relationship? How might it be improved??

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER:
?Psychologist John Gottman uses a combination of heart rate, facial expression, and an analysis of the way people talk about their relationships to each other and to others to predict whether a relationship will last. He is correct over 90% of the time. One of Gottman’s key observations is the ratio of positive to negative comments in a couple’s discussion of a problem. Happy couples make 5 times more positive comments about each other and their relationship during these discussions (e.g., we laugh a lot versus we never have any fun).
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The human mind is skewed toward the negative, like noticing bitter tastes over sweet. This slant suggests that it is all too easy to focus on your partner’s negative qualities, which will lead to negative emotions and conflict. If we put our relationships on evolutionary cruise control, the ratio of positive to negative comments might drop to a point where the relationship is in danger. Maintaining a more positive outlook on your partner requires attention and work.