Four Horsemen Relationship Quiz

See how criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and shutdown show up in your relationship in about 10 minutes. Free and no sign-up, it scores each pattern so you can talk it through together.
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Questions1610 minutes
Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.
08:30
July 22, 2026
July 22, 2026
Material has been updated
295 views
5 completions
1 likes
Verified by Daniel Hall
Psychologist with 25 years of experience
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Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score
8/12
Contempt (C)
Assesses how often sarcasm, disrespect, or a sense of superiority shows up in your conflict interactions.
Less prominent
Recurring signal
Strong pattern
0NaNLess prominent5NaNRecurring signal9NaNStrong pattern
A score of 8 suggests contempt can recur in tense moments, so it may help to notice when irritation shifts into sarcasm, dismissiveness, or one-upmanship.
example score
6/12
Criticism (C)
Measures how often complaints shift from specific behaviors to global judgments about a partner’s character or motives during conflict.
Less prominent
Recurring signal
Strong pattern
0NaNLess prominent5NaNRecurring signal9NaNStrong pattern
A score of 6 suggests criticism shows up as a recurring signal, where frustration can sometimes expand beyond the immediate issue into broader judgments.
example score
8/12
Defensiveness (D)
Measures how often you respond to relationship concerns with self-protection (e.g., explanations, countercomplaints, or denial) instead of first acknowledging your part.
Less prominent
Recurring signal
Strong pattern
0NaNLess prominent5NaNRecurring signal9NaNStrong pattern
A score of 8 suggests defensiveness is a recurring signal, where self-protective responses sometimes crowd out accountability, and it may help to acknowledge one valid piece before adding context.
example score
4/12
Stonewalling (S)
Measures the tendency to withdraw, shut down, or go silent instead of staying engaged during relationship conflict.
Less prominent
Recurring signal
Strong pattern
0NaNLess prominent5NaNRecurring signal9NaNStrong pattern
A score of 4 suggests stonewalling is less prominent, with you typically staying engaged or taking clearly communicated breaks with an intention to return.
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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Couples in recurring conflict
41%OF USERS
Partners who argue about the same issues and want a clear way to name what happens during fights and talk about it calmly.
Self-improvers in relationships
34%OF USERS
People who want to check their own habits—like getting critical, defensive, or shutting down—and make small changes in how they communicate.
Processing a recent rupture
25%OF USERS
Individuals trying to make sense of a tense week, big argument, or near-breakup and looking for a reflective starting point before next steps.
BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.
Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Contempt (C)
Average
4.7
Normal range
2.76.8
min.
0
max.
12
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Criticism (C)
Average
5.5
Normal range
3.37.7
min.
0
max.
12
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Defensiveness (D)
Average
5.1
Normal range
3.46.9
min.
0
max.
12
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Stonewalling (S)
Average
8.7
Normal range
710.5
min.
0
max.
12
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this quiz measure?
It estimates how four conflict patterns—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—may show up in relationship interactions. Each pattern is scored separately to support reflection.
How are results scored and interpreted?
The pattern with the highest score indicates the strongest current affinity. Scores within one point suggest a blended result across patterns.
Is this a diagnosis or a clinical assessment?
No. Results are intended for self-reflection and discussion and do not determine blame, prognosis, or relationship outcomes.
How long does it take and how many questions are included?
Estimated completion time is about 10 minutes. The quiz includes 16 questions.
What should be done if conflict includes fear, threats, coercion, or physical harm?
Do not rely on this quiz for safety decisions. Contact a trusted support person or an appropriate local service for immediate help.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
About This Assessment

Four Horsemen Relationship Quiz - Symptoms and Signs

Explore how criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling may appear in your relationship interactions. This free, no-sign-up quiz scores each pattern separately; your highest score shows the strongest current affinity, while scores within one point suggest a blended result. Use it as a reflective conversation aid, not a diagnosis, clinical measure, or verdict about either partner. If conflict involves fear, threats, coercion, physical harm, or concerns about immediate safety, contact a trusted support person or appropriate local service.

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