Mon Mar 3rd - 2025

Conflict

An expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, or interference while achieving goals.

Affective Conflict

Occurs when people become aware that their emotions and feelings are incompatible.

Policy Conflict

Incompatible preferences for a course of action, process, or plan to pursue.

Value Conflict

Differences in ideologies or belief systems.

Cognitive Conflict

Incompatible thought processes or perceptions.

Goal Conflict

Disagreements on preferred outcomes, relating to the end result.

Avoidance

A conflict management style characterized by inaction and withdrawal.

Accommodation

A conflict management style where one entirely gives in to the other party's needs.

Competition

A conflict management style where one side seeks to resolve the conflict their way, often at the expense of the other.

Compromise

A conflict management style where both parties give up part of their goals to reach a mutual agreement.

Collaboration

A conflict management style that seeks a win-win solution satisfying everyone's needs.

Gottman's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Four destructive signs in communication (Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt, Stonewalling) that lead to relationship breakdown.

Criticism

Attacking another person's character in a critical manner; often expressed using 'you' messages.

Defensiveness

A reaction that aims to protect oneself by denying responsibility and counterattacking.

Contempt

Belittling or ridiculing another person; considered the most destructive of the Four Horsemen.

Stonewalling

Withdraws from the conversation, sending a disconfirming message that the other person does not matter.