Highconflict couples experience intense emotional reactions from "summary" of The High-Conflict Couple by Alan E. Fruzzetti Ph. D.
High-conflict couples are characterized by their intense emotional reactions to various situations. These emotions can range from anger and frustration to sadness and fear, and can often be overwhelming for both partners. These intense emotions can lead to frequent arguments, yelling matches, and even physical altercations in some cases. The emotional intensity in high-conflict couples is often fueled by underlying issues such as unresolved trauma, attachment insecurities, and unmet emotional needs. In high-conflict couples, emotions tend to run high even in seemingly minor disagreements or misunderstandings. This can create a cycle of escalating conflict, where one partner's emotional reaction triggers a similar response in the other, leading to a back-and-forth of heightened emotions. As a result, conflicts in high-conflict couples can quickly spiral out of control, making it difficult for either partner to de-escalate the situation. Furthermore, the intense emotional reactions in high-conflict couples can also be triggered by past experiences or traumas that have not been properly addressed. For example, a partner may react strongly to a perceived slight or criticism because it reminds them of past rejection or abandonment. This can create a pattern of overreactions and misunderstandings that further fuel the conflict in the relationship. In addition, high-conflict couples often struggle to communicate effectively during times of emotional distress. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, with both partners feeling unheard and invalidated. As a result, conflicts can become more intense and harder to resolve, creating a cycle of emotional reactivity and conflict in the relationship.- The intense emotional reactions experienced by high-conflict couples can be a significant barrier to resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship. By understanding the underlying causes of these intense emotions and learning effective communication and conflict resolution strategies, high-conflict couples can work towards building a more secure and stable relationship.
