24 - The Silent Treatment - Why It's a Terrible Form of Communication in Relationships

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we take a deep dive into a toxic communication tactic: the "silent treatment." Learn about how this manipulative strategy breeds negativity, hinders positive change, and significantly impacts mental health. We also discuss the types of partners who tend to use this approach and provide actionable advice on dealing with it. Packed with research and expert insights, this episode aims to break the silence, encouraging healthier and more constructive communication strategies in relationships.

#silenttreatment #communication #emotionalabuse #relationshipadvice #conflictresolution #mentalhealth #relationshipmanipulation #breakthesilence #healthierrelationships #emotionaldistress #positivecommunication #relationshipproblems #relationshipcounseling #selfcare

References for Further Reading:

Bushman, B. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (1998). Threatened egotism, narcissism, self-esteem, and direct and displaced aggression: Does self-love or self-hate lead to violence? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.75.1.219

Gordon, T. (1970). Parent effectiveness training;: The no-lose program for raising responsible children (Ex-library edition). P. H. Wyden.

Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (1984). Communicating with Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication. Addison Wesley Publishing Company.

Jaworski, A. (Ed.). (1997). Silence: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (1st edition). Walter de Gruyter.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Newton, T. L. (2001). Marriage and health: His and hers. Psychological Bulletin, 127(4), 472–503. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.127.4.472

Leary, M. R., & Kowalski, R. M. (1997). Social Anxiety (1st edition). The Guilford Press.

Miller, L. C., Berg, J. H., & Archer, R. L. (1983). Openers: Individuals who elicit intimate self-disclosure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(6), 1234–1244. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.44.6.1234

Rancer, A. S., & Avtgis, T. A. (2014). Argumentative and Aggressive Communication: Theory, Research, and Application – Second edition (2nd edition). Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers.

Simpson, J. A., & Campbell, L. (Eds.). (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Close Relationships (1st edition). Oxford University Press.

Sommer, K. L., Williams, K. D., Ciarocco, N. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (2001). When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words: Explorations Into the Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Consequences of Social Ostracism. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 23(4), 225–243. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324834BASP2304_1

Williams, K. D., & Nida, S. A. (2011). Ostracism: Consequences and Coping. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 71–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721411402480