At-Risk Relationship (0-40)
TL;DR
An at-risk stability score (0-40) indicates multiple stress factors present. Active intervention is recommended — most relationships can recover with sustained work.
What it Means
Relationships scoring at-risk typically show several Gottman 'four horsemen' patterns (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling), accumulated unresolved conflicts, or significant external stressors that haven't been navigated together.
Behavioural Patterns
At-risk shows up as: frequent harsh-startup conflicts; mounting criticism; emotional withdrawal; avoidance of important topics; physical symptoms of relationship stress; thoughts of separation.
Recommended Next Steps
- Couples therapy is the standard intervention. Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and other evidence-based approaches all have strong outcomes.
- Address the specific 'four horseman' pattern most active in your relationship.
- Most relationships can recover — outcomes depend on both partners' engagement with the work.