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The Positive Perspective: More on the 5:1 Ratio

Watch this video of Dr. John Gottman explaining the 5:1 ratio.

Est. reading time: 1 min.

If applying the Gottman Method to your relationship is difficult, take your time. The skills that Drs. John and Julie Gottman found to be vital for keeping relationships stable and healthy are, as all things, mastered through practice, and change doesn’t happen overnight. Your hard work will pay off.

One of the key skills is the 5:1 ratio. The Relationship Blog covered it here, but learn more from Dr. John Gottman himself:

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Ellie Lisitsa

Ellie Lisitsa is a former staff writer at The Gottman Institute. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Publish Date: December 5, 2012

Last Updated: May 5, 2025

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