Four couples are arguing over who in the couple should do more housework. According to the research described in your text, which couple is responding to conflict in the healthiest way?

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The question presents a scenario: Four couples arguing over who should do more housework, and asks which couple is responding to conflict in the healthiest way according to the described research.

First, note that the provided data includes an answer indicating option C: Marcus and Anita have actively discussed the issue for an hour. However, the list of answer options is missing in this input, so I cannot enumerate each alternative and compare them directly. Despite that, I can analyze why the described behavior—actively discussing the issue for a sustained period—is typically associated with healthier conflict resolution.

Active discussion over an issue implies several constructive dynamics: clear communication, willingness to articulate needs and concerns, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving rather than retreat, avoidance, or escalation. When a couple engages in a purposeful conversation for a period (an hour in this case), they are more likely to articulate specific responsibilities, negotiate a fair division of chores, and establish shared expectations. This aligns with research on healthy conflict resolution that emphasizes dialogue, listening, and joint problem-solving as core components.

In contrast, unhealthy conflict patterns often include stonewalling (refusing to communicate), blaming and contempt, withdrawal or avoidance, or dictating rigid ultimatums without mutual understanding. Active discussion reduces defensiveness because each partner has the opportunity to voice needs and hear the other’s perspective, which can lead to mutually satisfactory agreements and reduced resentment over time.

Why this option (the act of discussing the issue openly for an extended period) is considered healthiest includes these key ideas:
- Communication: Partners exchange information about preferences and constraints, reducing misunderstandings.
- Collaboration: They work together to find a fair solution rather than trying to “win” the argument.
- Emotional regulation: Taking time to discuss can help manage emotions, preventing escalation.
- Accountability: Publicly negotiating duties creates accountability and follow-through on commitments.

If you had access to other options, you would evaluate them against these criteria: are they about avoidance, aggression, or coercion, versus open dialogue and joint problem-solving? The healthiest choice would be the one that demonstrates cooperative engagement rather than withdrawal or hostility.

In sum, discussing the issue openly and for a substantive amount of time reflects constructive conflict management behaviors associated with healthier relationship dynamics in the context of household labor debates.

PSYC20009_2025_SM2 Lecture 11 Quiz

Four couples are arguing over who in the couple should do more housework. According to the research described in your text, which couple is responding to conflict in the healthiest way?

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