Sometimes, even the smallest argument can escalate into a serious fight. This is not uncommon in relationships, as small misunderstandings often escalate into larger conflicts, says psychologist Mark Travers.
"New psychological research has revealed a simple technique that can prevent such escalations, and it only takes five seconds," he revealed to Psychology Today.
Researcher Anna McCarthy and her team conducted a study in which couples participated in an experiment that measured their aggression.
"Couples had the opportunity to 'punish' their partners with loud noises, but in some groups they had to wait five, ten or 15 seconds before doing so. The results showed that even a five-second pause was enough to reduce aggressive reactions and prevent conflict escalation," explains Travers.
McCarry stressed that this short five-second pause is just as effective as longer pauses. "Thus, McCarry points out that even the shortest pause can help calm the situation and prevent a misunderstanding from escalating into a larger conflict. This technique gives partners a chance to think before they react," says the psychologist.
To apply this rule, we first need to propose it to our partner and agree on how it will work.
"You can use a code word, a signal, or simply dictate that there is a five-second pause before continuing the discussion," advises Travers. It's important to remember that the goal of the rule is to calm the situation, not to avoid important conversations, reports Index.hr.
"Although it may seem too simple, scientific research shows that five seconds can make a big difference. These small pauses can prevent small misunderstandings from escalating into major conflicts, which helps keep a relationship stable and healthy," the psychologist concluded.
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