Gottman 5:1 Ratio
The ratio of positive to negative interactions that predicts healthy relationships.
Definition
John Gottman's 40-year research found that stable, satisfying relationships maintain at least a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions during conflict. Below ~0.8:1 strongly predicts divorce within years. The four most destructive patterns ("Four Horsemen"): criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling.
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