Which of the Four Horsemen is described as stonewalling?

Stonewalling is characterized by withdrawing from interaction and shutting down communication. This behavior often manifests when one partner feels overwhelmed or emotionally flooded, leading them to disengage from the conversation. The act of stonewalling can be detrimental to a relationship, as it prevents constructive dialogue and resolution of conflicts. When one partner shuts down or becomes emotionally unavailable, it leaves the other partner feeling unvalued and frustrated, which can exacerbate existing issues within the relationship.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different negative interaction patterns defined by Gottman. Engaging in arguments refers to a confrontational style, while expressing contempt and sarcasm includes a level of disdain that can severely damage relational trust. Criticizing a partner's decisions directly attacks their character or behavior, fostering defensiveness and escalating conflict. Each of these behaviors can undermine relationships, but stonewalling specifically denotes withdrawal and avoidance of communication.