Theory of Conflict

Such a phenomenon as conflict (in a broad sense) is an indispensable part of the organization of life. It concerns not only the life of biological species. Conflicts in humans, animals and plants - the natural situation of their development. For the human society, conflict is an incentive for social development.

Currently, conflicts are being studied by such sciences as sociology and psychology . In principle, it can be argued that conflictology has recently emerged as a separate science, which, however, can not be regarded as an independent field of knowledge.

The scientific side of the question

In Western European scientific thought, many modern psychological and sociological theories of conflict are presented. Scientists representing different philosophical positions, different directions in psychology and sociology, having different points of view and offering their own vision and explanation of this phenomenon, as well as ways to resolve conflicts.

In the course of studies of the behavior of subjects in conflicts, typical patterns of behavior were identified. On these grounds, one of the modern theories of personality behavior in the conflict arose (it seems that the proposed view is closest to the truth).

On behavior in conflict situations

It is possible to single out the basic models of the personality's behavior in the conflict.

  1. Constructive . The subject demonstrates goodwill towards the rival, openness and, at the same time, endurance and self-control, he strives to settle (resolve) the conflict; laconic and accurate in actions and statements.
  2. Destructive . The subject tries to aggravate the conflict, therefore constantly belittles the partner, negatively evaluates the opponent; shows suspicion to the opponent, does not adhere to ethical rules, normal for this community.
  3. Conformist . The subject demonstrates inactivity, inconsistency and a tendency to make concessions; in assessments, judgments, behavior, there is also a lack of consistency; tries to avoid solving acute problems.

How to behave?

Of course, each of these models of the subject's behavior in the conflict is conditioned by the very subject of the conflict, the type of situation, the importance of interpersonal relations, and also the individual psychological and value-moral orientations of the participants. To some extent, the behavior patterns of participants reflect certain settings of each subject.

It should be noted that the most successful model of behavior (even from a pragmatic point of view) is constructive.

The danger of demonstration conformist position in the conflict lies in the fact that it can contribute to increasing the aggression of the opponent, and in some cases - to provoke an aggravation. That is, in fact, the conformist position can be considered destructive. It is different from destructive only inactivity. However, not all and not always so unambiguously, a conformist position can play a positive role if the contradictions on which the conflict arose are insignificant.

From theories of intrapersonal conflict, the most profound and interesting are psychoanalysis (in all its modern forms), Jung's analytical psychology and gestalt psychology.