Which aspect of communication is negatively affected by stonewalling?

Stonewalling refers to the deliberate avoidance of communication and engagement in a conversation, often manifested as withdrawal, ignoring, or refusing to discuss issues. When someone stonewalls during a conversation, they essentially create a wall that prevents meaningful interaction and connection with the other person.

This behavior negatively impacts emotional connection as it creates feelings of disconnection and frustration; the person feeling stonewalled may perceive that their thoughts and feelings are not valued or acknowledged. Additionally, active listening suffers because one party is disengaged and not responsive, which hinders the process of understanding and empathy that underpins effective communication. Lastly, conflict resolution is also compromised because successful resolution often relies on open dialogue and mutual understanding. When one person shuts down, the opportunity for constructive discussion and problem-solving is lost.

Given that stonewalling disrupts emotional ties, active engagement in listening, and the ability to resolve conflicts, it clearly has negative implications across all these areas. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the idea that all these facets of communication are undermined by this behavior.