Final answer:
The term Stonewalling refers to the act when one partner remains silent and offers no feedback to their partner, often in an attempt to avoid conflict or discomfort in a relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the question “__________ occurs when one partner remains silent and offers his or her partner no feedback. A) Stonewalling B) Criticism C) Defensiveness D) Contempt” is A) Stonewalling.
Stonewalling is a term used in communication, especially in the context of relationships, that describes a scenario where one individual withdraws from the interaction, shuts down, and simply stops responding to their partner. This is often a deliberate action to avoid conflict, stress, or discomfort, but it can be harmful to relationships as it prevents the resolution of issues and can make the other person feel ignored or dismissed. Examples of stonewalling behavior include giving silent treatment, engaging in minimal verbal responses, and avoiding eye contact.