Help CenterDr. Mitchell Hammer’s (2002) research on conflict identified the following factors in conflict:
- A perceived substantive disagreement related to conflicting needs and/or goals,
- emotional reaction,
- and an interdependent relationship.
Conflict is inevitable in close relationships. In healthy relationships, the parties have learned to navigate conflict well. He also identified the four types of approaches to conflict listed in the visual below - discussion, engagement, accommodation, and dynamic. We can learn to navigate our differences by understanding and respecting the preferences of each party.
Which approaches do you tend to use?
Which approaches do you believe the other person in your conflict(s) use?
How can you navigate those similarities and differences?