Relational Power, Emotions, and Conflict Resolution Strategies in Psychology

characteristics of relational theory of power

1. fluid

2. interdependence

3. needs resources/create shifts in influence

4. not about whos strongest

both/and

we both do ___ & we both get ___

either/or

either you do this or I do that

designated power

power coming from your position

distributive power

comes from ability to do something bc of superior position

integrative power

power from a relationship

individual power currencies: RICE

resource control

interpersonal linkages

communication skills

expertise

imbalanced power

domination, avoidance

negative spirals

avoidance builds resentment, domination builds resistance

techniques to balance power

speaking in positive tone

listen

reflect feelings

clarify what you have heard

question when needed

summarize

rahim's model

1. avoidance

2. dominating

3. obliging

4. integrating

5. compromising

symmetrical patterns

both parties mirror each others tactics

why do emotions matter in conflict

1. identifying goals

2. constantly flow and change

3. they are facts

4. cant be ignored

myths about emotions

1. they're irrational

2. should be suppressed

3. hinder decision-making

4. private matters

5. cant be controlled

6. only for the powerless

functions of emotions

1. protective

2. relational

3. motivational

4. communicative

5. help identify patterns

circumplex model of emotion

activated/deactivated

pleasant/unpleasant

core concerns (positive lens)

1. appreciation

2. autonomy

3. affiliation

4. status

5. role

key emotions in conflict

anger

fear/anxiety

hurt

humiliation, sadness, disgust, shame/guilt

escalation of negative emotions

misattributions

amplification

emotional flooding = overwhelming

spirals

emotional intelligence

self awareness, self regulation, empathy, skilled expression