Conflict: Types, Causes, and Effective Resolution Strategies

Conflict is a psychological or social struggle between opposing forces, needs, desires, or values. It can occur within an individual (internal conflict) or between individuals and groups (external conflict). Conflict is a natural part of human interaction and can lead to personal growth or distress, depending on how it is managed.

Types of Conflict

1. Intrapersonal Conflict – A struggle within an individual, such as decision-making dilemmas (e.g., choosing between career options).
2. Interpersonal Conflict – Conflict between two or more people due to differences in opinions, beliefs, or emotions (e.g., arguments between friends).
3. Intragroup Conflict – Disagreement within a group (e.g., conflict among team members in an organization).
4. Intergroup Conflict – Conflict between different groups, organizations, or communities (e.g., political or religious conflicts).
5. Approach-Approach Conflict – Conflict between two desirable choices (e.g., choosing between two job offers).
6. Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict – Conflict between two undesirable choices (e.g., choosing between doing a difficult assignment or facing punishment).
7. Approach-Avoidance Conflict – Conflict where a choice has both positive and negative aspects (e.g., taking a high-paying job that requires relocating away from family).
8. Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict – Conflict involving multiple choices, each with positive and negative aspects (e.g., deciding between two careers, both having pros and cons).

Causes of Conflict

• Psychological Factors – Differences in personality, emotions, stress, or past experiences.
• Social & Cultural Factors – Differing values, traditions, and societal expectations.
• Environmental Factors – Competition for resources, financial stress, workplace politics.
• Communication Barriers – Misunderstandings, lack of clarity, poor listening skills.
• Power Struggles – Conflicts arising from authority, leadership, or dominance issues.

Clinical Features, Signs & Symptoms of Conflict-Related Disorders

• Increased stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Irritability, anger, and aggressive behavior.
• Indecisiveness and difficulty in problem-solving.
• Depression and feelings of hopelessness.
• Social withdrawal and avoidance of conflict situations.

Investigations

1. Psychological Assessments – Conflict Resolution Style Tests, Personality Tests (MBTI, MMPI).
2. Behavioral Analysis – Observing patterns of aggression, avoidance, or assertiveness.
3. Stress & Anxiety Scales – Assessing the impact of conflict on mental health.

Treatment & Management

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps in resolving internal conflicts and improving coping skills.
• Conflict Resolution Training – Teaches negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Mediation & Counseling – Helps in resolving interpersonal or group conflicts.
• Relaxation Techniques – Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness reduce emotional distress.
• Assertiveness Training – Helps individuals express their needs and opinions constructively.

Homeopathic Remedies

1. Ignatia Amara – Emotional distress, suppressed grief, mood swings.
2. Staphysagria – Suppressed anger, resentment, difficulty expressing emotions.
3. Natrum Muriaticum – Internalized conflict, emotional suppression, long-standing sadness.
4. Lycopodium Clavatum – Fear of confrontation, low confidence in decision-making.
5. Aurum Metallicum – Severe emotional distress, suicidal thoughts due to intense inner conflict.

PSYCHOLOGY INCLUDES:-

1. Mind
2. Behavior
3. Sensation
4. Perception
5. Illusion
6. Hallucination
7. Delusion
8. Memory
9. Thinking
10. Motivation
11. Emotion
12. Imagination and Image
13. Intelligence
14. Aptitude
15. Attention
16. Personality
17. Frustration
18. Conflict
19. Anxiety
20. Psychosomatic manifestation
21. Dreams
22. Developmental Psychology