Strong marriages are not ones that avoid conflict or self - assertion; they are ones with a positive / negative ratio of 5 or higher. (assumelove.com)
Through this process the coach should remember to use a 5 - 1 positive to negative ratio in comments and evaluations of skills and ability. (MomsTeam.com)
If the positive - to - negative ratio during conflict is 1 - to - 1 or less, that's unhealthy, and indicates a couple teetering on the edge of divorce. (gottman.com)