Conflict Resolution: Familty Conflict Essay

Conflict Resolution: Familty Conflict

PSY/400
Aug. 5, 2011

Conflict Resolution: Family Conflict Conflict is a part of life. It is a natural part of every social construct. Conflict; when viewed positively can produce a number of things that benefits individuals, groups and overall situations. In this paper we will examine how the process of conflict resolution can positively affect all involved as well as how the approach to conflict resolution; although procedurally standard; is customized to individual situations. We begin by defining the concept of conflict resolution and peacemaking. Conflict resolution is defined as “the process of resolving a dispute or a conflict permanently, by providing each sides' needs, and adequately addressing their interests so that they are satisfied with the outcome.” In short this means that each party involved is able get their needs met in order to resolve the conflict that is caused by the failure to communicate those needs effectively. There are many examples of conflict throughout the social spectrum such as family conflict, civil conflict, world conflict and even conflict found at work. All these examples require resolution in order to restore the entity to its original or proposed state of calm. So let’s look at one of the most common places for conflict to be found, the family. Family dynamics are complex and precarious. When conflict arises in a family unit the need for resolution is almost immediate but a rush to solve a problem without thinking things through or addressing each party’s desired outcome can and often does lead to escalations of a more volatile nature. This volatile response is easily seen in the event of domestic violence and child abuse. One of the more common types of family conflict is that of parent child rivalry and discipline. In this type of scenario the lack of a