Gottman Method compared to Positive Psychology Theory

Comparing the Gottman Method and Positive Psychology Theory Name Institutional Affiliation Introduction According to Seligman (2011), psychology is undoubtedly one of the many fields of science that play a central role in understanding the behavior and mind of human beings. The multifaceted discipline delves into many sub-categories ranging from cognitive processes, social development, clinical, health, as well as, sports. As a means of understanding all these branches and the concepts involved, scientists have developed a wide range of psychological theories, which are scientific propositions built upon hypotheses and backed up by evidence. Theories in science present ideas and concepts that are testable (Berman, 2017). Therefore, psychology theories are fundamental as they provide a critical avenue or model of understanding behaviors, emotions, and thoughts of humans. It can either be populations such as children, adults, and parents or target specific issues like marriage and family. Particular theories are often designed to serve specific psychological purposes. As such, throughout history, a few scientifically generated psychology models or theories have been proposed to predict and explain several aspects of marriage and family counseling, one of the few problematic issues and institutions in society. Besides just understanding and explaining the human mind and behavior involved in families and marriage, a few psychology theories have been proposed to treat certain mental illnesses. Two of the most prevalent theories that are today widely applied in marriage and family counseling include the Gottman Method Theory and the Positive Psychology Theory. The underlying concepts and applications of these models vary significantly. The Gottman Method, in particular, is a unique theory used in counseling couples and entails a thorough evaluation of the relationship of married partners. The technique incorporates research-based treatments that depend on the Sound Relationship House Theory (Gottman, 2018). On the other hand, Positive Psychology Theory refers to the empirical and scientific assessment of personal success, which is an implementation method for optimal functioning. Other experts define this theory as the measurement of the virtues and strengths that allow people, families, marriages, societies, and institutions to flourish or succeed. From the discussion above, it is evident that the utilization of various theories is for particular reasons, to mainly understand human thinking, behavior, and emotions. Based on these specific discussions highlighted above, this paper primarily intends to distinguish between the two marriage and counseling models: the Gottman Method Theory and the Positive Psychology Theory. The paper will compare the roles, norms, communication, contest, leadership, group vigor, and safety of the two paradigms. The first part will highlight the Gottman Method while the second section will focus on the Positive Psychology Theory. Discussion The Gottman Method Couples Therapy The Gottman Method is one of the first psychotherapy approaches for couples that entail evaluation of the relationship. Just like other theories, the technique incorporates research-based treatments, but specifically the Sound Relationship House Theory, a model that applied a practical strategy to assist couples in breaking through certain obstacles to obtain a greater connection, understanding, and affection in their relationship. The following part primarily highlights the entire processes, applications, and other ingredients of the theory. Background The legendary psychologists Doctor Julie Schwartz Gottman and Doctor John Gottman around the 80s coined the Gottman Theory. The evidence-based model ideally forms an integral part of a duo’s treatment and aims to help them achieve a more profound sense of awareness, cooperation, empathy, understanding, and connectedness (Gottman, 2018). The ultimate purpose is to assists couples regain the initial spark and intimacy that marked their starting point in their love life. The theory also intends to heighten interpersonal growth among couples (Gottman, 2018). Goals/Objectives From the above discussion, it is clear that the primary reason for creating the Gottman Method was as a means of helping couples restore their love and affection, which might have died as the years pass by. Thus, the Gottman Method Couples Therapy was mostly designed to help restore the broken relationship between husband and wife. In particular, it was intended to enhance the respect, closeness, and affection between couples, as well as, resolve and break through conflict when they feel trapped. Besides, the technique principally focuses on maintaining calm when discussing disputes, with the ultimate purpose of creating greater understanding between couples. Principles Studies indicate that to make a marriage or relationship enduring, partners must design a means of becoming close friends, understand how to contain conflicts, and design better mechanisms of supporting each other’s ambitions in life (Gottman Institute, n.d.). As such, experts Julie and John Gottman through their model have shown how partners can achieve all these; by paying particular attention to seven critical principles of a healthy relationship, what they term the Sound Relationship House. The two also refer to these ingredients as the seven core parts of healthy 'coupleships.' Today, two additional new principles namely trust and commitment exists, which are primarily of use in the pillars. Therefore, the seven aspects that form the basis of the principles of the Gottman Method include: Building love maps The component mainly focuses on keeping tabs and awareness of another couple’s world. The process of building a love map requires partners to understand the inner psychological and mental worlds of their other halves, their worries, histories, hopes, and joys. The proponents of this theory believe that leaving some space for your spouse’s routine life is critical to feeling loved and known (Lahiji, Pour, & Besharat, 2016). Sharing admiration and fondness The primary role of this standard is to encourage partners to make small deposits into the emotion or sentiment bank account of the other spouse. The idea is to delve as much as possible into the amount of respect and affection existent in the relationship. The consideration of this part is as the antidote or remedy for contempt, scorn, and disdain in a relationship. Partners are advised to learn better means of respecting and appreciating each other to promote admiration and fondness, tools that can generate a significant change that positively influences the general climate of the relationship (Gottman Institute, n.d.). Turning towards rather than away The main point is to create a healthy relationship and a positive outlook of the link. The step requires couples to state and identify their needs, recognize the bids that connect them and turn towards them rather than away. According to the designers of this model, the smaller episodes or moments in life are the fundamental building blocks for lasting relationships. They are the “little hinges” that twist the marriage. The positive perspective A positive viewpoint or perspective is achievable only when the connection or companionship of the marriage is secure. The idea behind this statement is that the existence of a specific strategy to problem-solving between couples and the fruitfulness of repair attempts determines how positively a relationship is positioned. Managing Conflicts Ideally, and as a universal fact, managing conflicts and inconsistencies in a marriage or family is better than resolving them. The reason is that relationship issues occur naturally and contain functional, positive components. However, Drs. Julie and John Gottman advise couples to avoid the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" that ruin relationships, including Stonewalling, Criticism, Contempt, and Defensiveness (Gottman Institute, n.d.). The two experts recommend partners to discuss their issues openly but listening to one another, exercise self-soothing and accepting influence from the other party. Making life dreams true The objective is to get a better mechanism of supporting one another's life dreams and goals. According to Julie and John, partners must create an environment that boosts the morale of each other by talking honestly about each other’s values, hopes, aspirations, and convictions (Lahiji, Pour, & Besharat, 2016).It is the only sure way that partners can support each other’s goals and dreams in life Creating Shared Meaning The indispensable reason is to create a mutual sense of purpose and direction. Couples need to question their missions and legacy to build a shared meaning properly. Besides, it is crucial that partners point out and recognize the myths, narratives, metaphors, and visions about their marriage or relationship...