Which one of the following is considered one of the four horsemen in relationships?

Criticism is identified as one of the four horsemen in relationships, a concept developed by psychologist John Gottman, who studied what leads to successful or failing relationships. Criticism refers to attacking a partner’s character or personality rather than addressing a specific behavior or issue. This can create a negative atmosphere and lead to feelings of defensiveness in the other partner. It’s crucial to understand that addressing issues constructively is more beneficial than criticizing, as it promotes healthier communication and conflict resolution within the relationship.

The other options, while important aspects of relationships, do not fall under the category of the four horsemen identified by Gottman. Support and affection contribute positively to relational dynamics, while trust is foundational for any healthy relationship, but they do not represent the destructive behaviors that criticism does. Understanding these dynamics can help individuals recognize harmful patterns and work towards more positive communication strategies in their relationships.