Question

Hilda and Harley have been married for two years. Hilda comes home after a long day of work and finds the breakfast dishes in the sink and the unfolded laundry in the laundry basket. Harley said he would wash the dishes and fold the clothes before he left for work that morning. When the upset Hilda begins to yell at Harley, he simply turns up the television volume. Hilda gets louder, but Harley walks out of the room and slams the door. Hilda and Harley have just engaged in _____.

A) relational aggression
B) intimate terrorism
C) situational couple violence
D) a demand/withdraw interaction

Answer 1

Hilda and Harley have engaged in a demand/withdraw interaction, where Hilda is demanding and Harley is withdrawing from the conflict.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hilda and Harley have just engaged in a demand/withdraw interaction. This interaction pattern typically involves one partner seeking to engage in discussion or seeking a change (the 'demand' side) and the other partner withdrawing by either leaving the situation, not responding, or engaging in another activity to avoid the discussion (the 'withdraw' side). In the scenario provided, Hilda is demanding that Harley acknowledge and address his failure to complete the household tasks he promised to do, while Harley is withdrawing by turning up the TV volume, walking out of the room, and slamming the door.

This is a common pattern of conflict in relationships and can be particularly frustrating for both parties involved.