When Chris and Barb fight, the fights tend to be caustic and Barb often withdraws before they come to a conclusion. Chris and Barb are best classified as...

• A. Avoidants
• B. Hostiles
• C. Validators
• D. Volatiles

Answer: (B)

This item tests how couples handle conflict patterns. In Gottman’s framework, couples fall into four main styles: avoidant, volatile, validator, and hostile. The hallmark of a hostile pattern is caustic, attacking exchanges combined with withdrawal or defensiveness—one partner retreats before a resolution can be reached, and the interactions remain harsh and undermining. That combination fits this scenario: fights are caustic, and Barb withdraws before they conclude. The other styles don’t match as well—avoidants minimize conflict and disengage, validators keep discussions respectful and collaborative, and volatiles argue intensely but with warmth and a tendency to repair. So the best fit is a hostile relationship.