Write a 2–3 page article on interpersonal conflict. Define conflict and explain how communication behaviors and individual differences contribute to interpersonal conflict. Recommend a strategy for resolving interpersonal conflict.
What Is Conflict?
Define conflict in your own words.
Explain why conflict is a natural and common part of life.
Why Does Conflict Occur?
Discuss the reasons conflict arises, including differences in perspectives, belief systems, and values.
Provide examples of common conflicts you might encounter in daily life (e.g., disagreements with friends, family, or classmates).
Preventing Conflict
Suggest ways to prevent conflict from escalating.
Highlight the importance of good communication and understanding different viewpoints.
Learning From Conflict
Reflect on the potential benefits of experiencing conflict.
Explain how handling conflict well can improve relationships and personal growth.
Transforming Conflict From Negative to Positive
Describe the difference between constructive and destructive conflict.
Explain "the four horsemen" of destructive conflict as described by Hocker, Berry, and Wilmot (2022): criticizing, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt.
Provide strategies for transforming conflict into a positive experience. Focus on constructive behaviors such as clear communication, active listening, and empathy.
Communication Behaviors in Conflict
Discuss the four paradigms of communication described by Krauss and Morsella (as cited in Coleman, Deutsch, & Marcus, 2014): encoding/decoding, intentionalist, perspective-taking, and dialogic.
Explain how these communication behaviors can help in managing and resolving conflicts.
Sample Answer
The Anatomy of Interpersonal Conflict and Constructive Resolution
What Is Conflict?
Interpersonal conflict, defined in my own words, is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from the other party in achieving their objectives. It is more than just a momentary disagreement; it requires that all involved parties are aware of the incompatibility and that their relationship depends, in some capacity, on navigating this perceived difference.
Conflict is a natural and common part of life because human beings are distinct individuals operating within interdependent systems—families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. By definition, interdependence means that one person's choices affect another. Given the unique psychological architecture of every individual—their history, fears, needs, and goals—it is statistically impossible for these distinct paths to run parallel indefinitely without friction. Conflict is not a sign of a failing relationship; rather, it is a signal that the relationship is active and that the differences between the members must be addressed for growth and continuation.
Why Does Conflict Occur? The Convergence of Differences
The reasons conflict arises are fundamentally rooted in the lack of alignment between personal realities.
The Role of Individual Differences
The most significant catalysts for conflict are differences in perspectives, belief systems, and values.
Perspectives: Two people can look at the exact same situation and arrive at conflicting conclusions. For example, in a partnership, one person might perceive a shared budget as a scarce resource requiring stringent cuts (a perspective shaped by past financial insecurity), while the other perceives the same budget as a tool for immediate shared enjoyment (a perspective shaped by prioritizing present quality of life). Their respective solutions—to save or to spend—are incompatible.
Belief Systems: These are the established truths an individual holds about the world, such as political affiliation, religious views, or assumptions about gender roles. While direct argument over these beliefs is one form of conflict, subtle conflicts arise when actions guided by these beliefs interfere with others.