

They describe three possible outcomes of problem-solving: conflict management, settlement, and conflict resolution.Īside from reading conflict resolution books such as Social Conflicts by Pruitt and Kim (2004), how do you acquire expertise in the field? Training components 190) describe problem-solving as a “joint effort to find a mutually acceptable solution.” 9).įocusing on dyadic conflict, Pruitt and Kim (2004, p. “People have been interested in the study of conflict at least since biblical times” (Pruitt & Kim, 2004, p. Effective conflict resolution skills help enhance communication, producing positive personal benefits. The interaction of these life elements validates Bolton’s position that poor communication skills can affect our physical and mental health. For instance, emotional support enhances psychological wellbeing, which can help reduce unhealthy behaviors that lead to poor physical health (Umberson & Karas Montez, 2010). Mental health and physical health coalesce with other factors to provide personal benefits. Social support is the natural byproduct of healthy relationships and is associated with mental health benefits through reduced stress and enhanced life meaning and purpose (Umberson & Karas Montez, 2010). The effects of such destructive habits further compromise our health, putting us at risk for illnesses.Ĭonversely, strong social ties are associated with positive health behaviors. BehavioralĪngry and hostile people are also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and consume more calories than people without these traits (Williams & Williams, 1998). She says some repercussions are hypertension, angina, coronary artery disease, stroke, and aneurysm (Leaf, 2008). Unforgiveness often precedes or accompanies ongoing conflict. Caroline Leaf (2008), it is dangerous to our health when we won’t forgive another. This physical reaction constricts blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.Īccording to Dr.

PhysicalĪctive and ongoing conflict is often accompanied by toxic thoughts, which create stress, release cortisol, and raise levels of bad fats and sugars in your bloodstream (Leaf, 2008). Other risks include inflammation biomarkers and impaired immune function (Umberson & Karas Montez, 2010). Some of the risks for people with few and low-quality social ties include increased risk of death (for those with medical conditions), cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, autonomic dysregulation, cancer, high blood pressure, and slower wound healing. In fact, Umberson and Karas Montez (2010) cite the use of isolation as an extreme form of punishment. Researchers draw a clear link between relationships and health, stating that socially connected adults are healthier and live longer than their isolated peers (Umberson & Karas Montez, 2010). Let’s inspect the research on the correlation between overall health and social connectedness. Therefore, poor communication skills hinder development and can affect our physical and mental health (Bolton, 1986). 7) states, “Our personality development and mental and physical health are linked to the caliber of our communication.” To become fully human, you must interact with others. Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Opportunitiesīolton (1986, p.These science-based tools will help you and those you work with build better social skills and better connect with others.
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But what is conflict resolution, and why is it important?īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Communication Exercises (PDF) for free. The ubiquity and inevitability of conflict in society demands increasing expertise. Given this information, it’s surprising that the institutionalization of conflict resolution as an academic discipline or formal field of study in the United States occurred as late as the 1970s (Kriesberg, 2009). It has existed throughout history in narratives passed down from generation to generation.Ĭoser (1956/2011), famously described conflict as “a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power, and resources in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure, or eliminate the rivals.” We are all social beings, and if we have the capacity to interact with others purposefully, we all experience conflict.Ĭonflict is not new. We all need air to breathe and water to stay alive.
