Final answer:
Criticism in marital conflict entails attacking a partner's character rather than focusing on specific behaviors, which can be detrimental to resolving disputes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In marital conflict, criticism involves attacking one's partner's personality or character rather than complaining about a specific behavior. This contrasts with expressing discontent about a certain behavior or situation, which is usually considered more constructive in resolving conflicts. Criticism can be damaging to a relationship because it focuses on the person's character flaws or personality traits, rather than on the actions that can be changed or improved upon.