A defensive behavior where someone withdraws from interaction, refuses to engage in conversation, or shuts down emotionally during conflict. It involves creating an emotional barrier that prevents resolution or connection.
Originally a military term from the 1640s referring to defensive tactics, later used in politics for obstruction. Psychologist John Gottman popularized its use in relationship research in the 1990s as one of the 'Four Horsemen' predicting divorce.
Stonewalling often looks like the 'strong, silent type,' but it's actually an overwhelmed nervous system's way of self-protection. The person isn't trying to be cruel - their brain has essentially gone offline to prevent further emotional flooding, though it devastates their partner who experiences it as rejection.
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