Response To Conflict

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What Is The Best Way To Respond To Conflict? "To thine own self be true”, Polonius once said in William Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet. In response to conflict, this character’s words has proven to be an effective way of dealing with tough situations. Although some may argue a better response to conflict is adaptation, individuals experiences such as Anne Frank and Sophie Scholl have shown that is not the case. In “Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow” and an excerpt from “The Diary of Anne Frank”, the young girls experience oppression of their views and beliefs. In conflict the best response is to stay true to one’s core values because it is beneficial to emotional well being, mental health, and thought processes. When responding…show more content…
Not me, I liked it from the start; it sounds so reassuring, especially at night” (Frank). Finding the positive outlook in situations is Anne’s way of staying true to who she is, which helps her to stay optimistic during tough times. Unlike Anne, the chiming of the clock is unsettling to her fearful family, whom become neurotic and panicked. Marie Forgeard, a psychologist at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School -- who has done extensive research into post-traumatic growth and creativity -- explains, “Because adverse events force us to reexamine our beliefs and priorities, they can help us break out of habitual ways of thinking” (Forgeard). This cross-examination of oneself helps individuals to rediscover personal ideals, and stay genuine to themselves.…show more content…
Describing the effects of stress on the brain, Joshua Gowin, Ph.D, states, “They turn to friends and family when they are in need, which helps stabilize cortisol levels. Conflict can make us feel that our position within a group is in jeopardy; this potential exclusion may be the most painful part of losing” (Gowin). Typical cortisol levels are imperative because Cortisol can help control blood pressure and sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation which is necessary to health. By staying dedicated to family in the midst of crisis, individuals can find it in themselves to stay true and resolved. Within the occupation of Hitler in Nazi Germany, author Susan Bartoletti recalls, “Though Sophie knew the correct National Socialistic answer to every question, she soon found herself unwilling to give her teachers the answers they wanted but she felt were wrong” (Bartoletti). Soon realizing that the national socialist views conflicted with her own, Sophie did her best to stay committed to her own morals, which overall benefited her mental health by strengthening her resolve. Sophie was also able to healthily cope by confiding her brother, Hans, which aided her in the struggle. The results based on a study done in 2004 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed, “Greater feelings of authenticity were also shown to
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