Conflict Resolution

Can you think of a time that you may have been in an argument with a friend or family member? How did you feel? How did you resolve the argument? A conflict is a disagreement either with oneself or with others. Conflicts and arguments can happen when people have any sort of difference. It can be a difference in opinion, in motivations, or in how a situation should be handled. Miscommunication, differing perceptions, opposing goals, and personal values may also lead to conflict. These conflicts are a very normal part of life. One party may feel that a difference is insignificant, or all parties may feel that the conflict is important.

There are two major types of conflicts:

Interpersonal conflicts are disagreements between two or more people. Conflicts of this type can be small disagreements between two friends or larger social or political disagreements between groups or even countries.

Intrapersonal conflicts are struggles that take place within an individual. You have probably had an intrapersonal conflict at one time or another when deciding between two conflicting emotions or ideas.

Tolerance, Communication, and Cooperation Are Key

While not all conflicts are preventable, some can be avoided by respecting all people regardless of differences in personal opinions. By exhibiting tolerance, you are accepting that others have a right to their opinions and accepting that they may not always think or act in the same ways that you do. Part of building healthy relationships with others means that you respect their opinions and actions, as long as they are not violating your rights or the rights of others.

When a conflict does occur, it is important to address your feelings about the conflict before continuing on. Before you can begin to resolve a conflict, you should think about the specifics of the situation and consider the following:

• Who is involved?
• What is the conflict? Is this conflict based on another larger conflict that hasn't been addressed?
• When and where did it happen?
• How do I feel about the conflict?

Once you identify the parameters of the conflict, you will be able to express how you feel to the other party or parties in a rational manner. Since communication works both ways, you must also be willing to listen to others and respect their answers to the questions above. You may not agree with how they feel, but sometimes communication can resolve conflicts that start as small misunderstandings. Once you have openly communicated the specifics of the conflict, you and the other party or parties will need to work together, or cooperate, to find a solution. In order to cooperate, both parties must want to find a resolution to the conflict.

Methods of Conflict Resolution

Thinking logically about a conflict when you are still in control of your emotions makes it easier to resolve the conflict peacefully. Sometimes outside help is needed to reach an agreement. In this interactivity, learn more about the methods used to find solutions to conflicts. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Conflict Resolution Review

Now that you know what conflict is, how to recognize it, and how to resolve it, check your knowledge by completing this non-graded interactivity. Click the player button to get started.