Final answer:
In John Gottman's theory, refusal to engage in a conversation is known as stonewalling. It signifies overwhelming emotions or a disconnect in communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a conversation occurs and the other partner disengages and just refuses to listen or interact, it is known as 'stonewalling' in John Gottman's theory. This term describes a situation in which one person in a conversation completely withdraws from the interaction, shutting down dialogue and essentially ending communication.
It is one of the four destructive behaviors that Gottman identifies as being particularly damaging to relationships, alongside criticism, defensiveness, and contempt. Stonewalling often indicates that a person is feeling overwhelmed or disconnected and can be a significant predictor of relationship difficulties.