WHAT IS CONFLICT AND HOW CAN CONFLICTS BE RESOLVED?

Conflict:

• Definition: A disagreement between individuals or groups about beliefs or actions, often

involving a perception that the other's beliefs or actions are unacceptable and need to be
changed.

• Inevitable in human life, arising between individuals, small groups, and even among nations.

• Reasons for Conflict:

• Factual reasons (e.g., resource scarcity, differing interests).

• Psychological reasons (e.g., interpretation of fairness, disagreement on the 'right'

thing to do).

Describing Conflict:

• Scale: Conflicts vary in severity and duration.

• Conflict Descriptions:

• Minor conflicts: Easily resolved, minimal discomfort.

• Serious conflicts: Difficult to solve, potential for long-lasting consequences.

• Scope-Severity Paradox: People may respond more emotionally to less serious individual
tragedies than to more severe tragedies involving many victims.

Psychological Factors:

• Conflict Similarity vs. Scale: Similar conflicts can have different scales based on psychological
factors, affecting individuals' reactions and resolution approaches.

Is Conflict Always Bad?

• Conflict Benefits: Managed well, low-scale conflicts may have benefits.

• Escalation and De-escalation:

• Escalation: Conflict worsening from low to high scale.

• De-escalation: Conflict improvement from high to low scale.

Resolving Conflicts:

• Goal: Achieve conflict resolution leading to a state of peace.

• Importance: Vital skill for well-being, relationships, and work quality.

• Resolution Techniques:

• Conflict Resolution Styles: Varying approaches balancing personal needs and others'
needs.

• Benefits of Conflict Resolution:

 • Improves well-being, reduces stress hormone production, lowers risk of heart-
related issues.

• Challenges: Developing conflict resolution skills requires knowledge, self-awareness,

practice, and a commitment to seeking peace.

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