Conflict behaviors were defined as
follows: (a) conflict, the level of tension, hostility, dissension, antagonism, or negative affect; (b) defensiveness, trying to avoid blame or responsibility; (c) contempt, lack of respect, insult, mockery, sarcasm, or derision of partner; (d) withdrawal, an avoidance of the interaction or of the problem discussion in some way; (e) demand, hounding or nagging partner; (f) communication skills, level of appropriate and positive expressive skills; (g) support - validation, appropriate and positive listening and speaking skills that convey
supportiveness or understanding; (h) problem solving, the ability to constructively define a problem and work toward a mutually satisfactory solution; and (i) humor, trying to make a joke, finding something funny about the situation.