Which statement best describes the effect of stonewalling on relationship satisfaction?

• A. It immediately resolves conflicts and increases trust.
• B. It has no impact on relationship dynamics.
• C. It tends to decrease intimacy and satisfaction and is least effective as a repair tactic.
• D. It always leads to reconciliation.

Answer: (C)

Stonewalling involves withdrawing and giving minimal or no response during a conflict, creating emotional distance. In terms of relationship satisfaction, this withdrawal signals to the other person that the issue isn’t worth engaging with, which hollows out intimacy and makes people feel unheard and less connected. Repairing a relationship after a tense moment relies on responsive, engaging communication—acknowledging feelings, validating concerns, and working together toward a solution. When one partner stonewalls, that repair process stalls or collapses, so intimacy and overall satisfaction tend to decline. Over time, repeated withdrawal can spiral into greater distance, less trust, and more dissatisfaction.

That’s why the statement describing stonewalling as tending to decrease intimacy and satisfaction and being least effective as a repair tactic fits best. It isn’t about quickly resolving conflicts or increasing trust; it disrupts connection and undermines the couple’s ability to bounce back after disagreements.