… empty promises to do better. A child who is faced with a parent who regularly stonewalls them will likely often feel anxious, and this could lead to the development of anxiety and/or depression disorders for the child over time. It can also negatively impact attachment.”
Quoting psychologist John Gottman, Vitek notes that there are four destructive patterns of communication that can lead to the downfall of a relationship: excessive criticism, contempt, defensiveness – and stonewalling/the silent treatment.
Jackie Vitek, LMFT, PMH-C, is a marriage and family therapist with a B.S. in Psychology …