Silent treatment comes in many forms: social isolation, stonewalling, ghosting. Research suggests two in three individuals have used the silent treatment against someone else.
The silent treatment is a form of ostracism
Ostracism is not new. Ancient Greeks expelled threats to democracy for ten years. Religions push individuals aside: Catholics call it ex-communication, Judaism calls it herem, the Amish practice Me...
The consequences of isolation can be severe
People use silent treatment because they get away with it without looking abusive to others. It is very effective in making a specific person feel bad. It is controlling and preven...
Silent treatment harms the person causing it
Humans are wired to reciprocate social cues. Ignoring someone goes against our nature, and the perpetrator feels forced to justify their actions to keep on doing it. They end up in...
How to prevent the silent treatment
Say out loud the exact amount of time you'll be taking a break from the conflict, with a timeline for when you'll pick the conversation back up.
If you are on the receiving ...