Emotions in Conflict Resolution

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary argument about emotions in conflict?

Emotions should be ignored in conflict resolution.

Resolving conflict without emotions is preferable.

Emotions are natural and have both positive and negative effects on conflicts. (correct)

Emotions are solely detrimental to conflict resolution.

What is emotional flooding as discussed by Gottman?

An overwhelming response that hinders the ability to process conflict properly. (correct)

A method for calming down during a conflict.

An indication of emotional maturity in handling disputes.

A strategy to enhance emotional awareness in conflicts.

How can emotions positively influence conflict resolution?

By energizing responses towards positive integrative solutions. (correct)

By increasing aggression in responses.

By providing logical reasoning.

By encouraging detachment from the issue.

Which statement best summarizes the simplified viewpoint on emotions in conflict?

Emotions play a complex role that includes both helpful and harmful aspects. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can overwhelming emotions have during a conflict?

They may lead to inaccurate understanding of positions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when evaluating the role of emotions in conflict?

When and under what conditions emotions influence outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

How can strong counter-emotions affect conflict resolution?

They reduce the likelihood of reaching an agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the role of emotions in the context of reason abatement?

Emotions can coexist with reason but influence outcomes differently. Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological reaction is NOT typically associated with guilt?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

What type of statements is most likely to stimulate feelings of guilt in a conversation?

Statements about unfulfilled obligations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common response to guilt?

Celebrating the transgression Signup and view all the answers

What emotional states are primarily associated with conflict according to the content?

Negative emotional states Signup and view all the answers

What tactic involves making negative comparisons to induce guilt?

Making comparisons that reflect badly Signup and view all the answers

In response to feelings of guilt, which action is characterized by an attempt to mend the relationship?

Offering compensation Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is unlikely to evoke guilty feelings?

Honoring a commitment Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an appeasement response to guilt?

What can I do to make up for this? Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional response that arises during conflicts?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to an increase in anxiety during a conflict?

Belief that one's needs are not seen as legitimate Signup and view all the answers

According to the psychodynamic perspective, what could be a source of anxiety?

Fear of self-destructive impulses Signup and view all the answers

What might opportunistic leaders exploit during a conflict?

Perceived resentment Signup and view all the answers

What happens to anxiety if there is little hope for resolution in a conflict?

It likely increases Signup and view all the answers

What internal state may persist due to perceived interference by others in a conflict?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might individuals engage in when they suspect self-destructive impulses are at play?

Engaging in risky behavior Signup and view all the answers

How can anxiety be described in the context of conflict?

An internal state of tension Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of aggressive energy according to the psychodynamic perspective?

Feelings of guilt Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to aggression when moral codes are applied?

It is often redirected or diminished Signup and view all the answers

What is one common subconscious strategy individuals use to deal with their aggressive impulses?

Suppressing aggressive drives Signup and view all the answers

How might aggressive energy be redirected as mentioned in the content?

By channeling it into hard work Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the suppression of aggressive drives?

Reduced negative consequences Signup and view all the answers

What might an employee do when they feel anger toward their boss, as described in the context?

Redirect the anger into increased productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the feelings that can lead to aggression, as stated in the psychodynamic perspective?

Insecurity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a consequence of self-hatred according to the content?

It can be self-destructive Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of highly argumentative people?

They are skilled at proposing their viewpoints. Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is typically associated with individuals who are low in argumentativeness?

High levels of verbal aggressiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is seen as a positive trait distinct from verbally aggressive behavior?

Argumentativeness. Signup and view all the answers

What often leads individuals to utilize verbal aggression in conflicts?

Avoidance of argumentative situations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the lack of argumentation skills have on individuals?

They may resort to attacking others' self-concepts. Signup and view all the answers

What do studies by Infante and colleagues suggest about the relationship between argumentativeness and verbal aggression?

They represent extremes on a skill continuum. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a misconception about argumentative and aggressive behaviors?

Argumentativeness is a purely negative trait. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the social skills of those who frequently avoid arguments?

They are often frustrated and lack effective confrontation skills. Signup and view all the answers

What can parties say to each other to alleviate existing anxiety in a conflict?

Openly express their feelings and concerns Signup and view all the answers

What do repetitive behaviors in conflict often reveal?

An inability to address underlying anxieties Signup and view all the answers

How do repetitive cycles of interaction serve the parties involved?

By managing aggression and addressing anxiety Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the continuation of conflict help parties manage their anxieties?

It provides a distraction from other issues Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals feel they need the conflict to persist?

It meets their psychological or emotional needs despite being counterproductive Signup and view all the answers

What role does aggression play in conflicts according to the psychodynamic perspective?

Aggression is often redirected towards substitute activities or third parties Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of unconscious motivation imply in the context of conflicts?

People may not understand the true motivations behind their conflict behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strategy employed in conflicts according to the content provided?

Displacement and scapegoating as coping mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 2: The Inner Experience of Conflict

Conflict resolution is strongly influenced by party interpretations and assumptions about the other party.
Staff members may misinterpret Diane's motivation for taking a leave of absence.
Diane may misinterpret staff motivations for not supporting her.
Sharing doubts and fears can lead members to re-evaluate their interpretations of the situation
Emotions and cognition influence conflict.
Psychological dynamics impact perceptions and interpretations of conflicts.
Conflict-related information processing and subsequent behavior are influenced by motivations, emotions, and thought processes.
Psychodynamic theory, emotions, and cognitive processes are reviewed for their influence on conflict.

Case Study 2.1: The Parking Lot Scuffle

Jay parks in Tim's reserved spot, causing damage to Tim's moped.
Tim confronts Jay, escalating the conflict through accusations and insults.
Jay's reaction shows a belief in personal responsibility, prompting an attempt to solve it himself.
Expectations are violated when Tim does not back down and takes aggressive action.
The conflict escalates to physical violence.
The discussion questions explore why the conflict became violent and analyze assumptions about conflict interaction.

The Psychodynamic Perspective

Freud's theory views the human mind as a reservoir of psychic energy, with aggression and anxiety as crucial elements.
This energy must be channeled into various behaviors, ranging from positive activities to destructive ones.
Frustration and uncertainty within conflicts lead to the aggressive impulse and anxiety.
Displacement plays a role in redirecting aggression toward less powerful or valued targets.
Suppression, another possible strategy involves suppressing aggressive impulses and channeling energy into alternative activities.

Emotion and Conflict

Emotions are crucial components in conflict, influencing perceptions, interpretations, and subsequent behaviors.
Emotions occur in reaction to events related to goal attainment.
Positive or negative affect is central to emotional experience.
Physiological changes, cognition, and behavioral tendencies are associated with emotions in conflicts.
The five points about emotion and conflict influence conflict: emotional reactions, emotional experience, physiological changes, cognition, and behavioral tendencies.
Anger, rage, disgust, contempt, irritation, and exasperation are typical negative emotions associated with conflict.
Anger is sparked by perceived threats or frustrations of goals.

Social cognition refers to the organized thoughts people have about human interactions.
Beliefs about conflict, conflict frames, and conflict scripts influence conflict interaction.
Beliefs about conflict, conflict frames, and conflict scripts influence conflict behavior.
Cultural norms have a significant impact on conflict resolution processes.
Cultural differences influence conflict styles, attitudes, and conflict interaction.
There are associative cultures that rely on particular, context-dependent thinking and abstractive cultures which emphasize universal principles.

Conflict Scripts

A script is a cognitive structure that outlines typical sequences of events in an episode, including conflict.
There are scripts for conflict involving broken promises, irritating habits, criticism, and rejections.

Expectancy Violations

People hold predictive and prescriptive expectancies about others' behavior
A violation of expectancies leads to emotional reactions and attempts to make sense of the situation.
Expectancy violations directly influence the behavioral response.

Attribution

The fundamental attribution error is interpreting others' behavior as intentional, while attributing one's own behavior to situational forces.
The self-serving bias involves attributing positive outcomes to oneself and negative outcomes to external factors.
Social knowledge, like beliefs and scripts about conflict, affects how people interpret situations and choose responses.

Case Study 2.6

The role of attributions in a parking lot conflict is analyzed.
Expectations about behavior and responsibility are central to the conflict's escalation.
The self-serving bias and fundamental attribution error explain potential misinterpretations.
The discussion questions guide further analysis on the conflict.

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Description

This quiz explores the intricate role of emotions within conflict scenarios, emphasizing both their positive and negative influences. Learn about concepts such as emotional flooding and guilt responses as discussed by experts like Gottman. Understanding these dynamics can enhance your conflict resolution skills and emotional intelligence.