Are There Ever Times When We Should Avoid Conflict?
When conflict avoidance might be a desirable conflict resolution strategy.
KEY POINTS
- Psychologists usually speak about various means of approaching and discussing conflicts as a means of conflict resolution.
- There might be benefit to alternative strategies in some cases, such as conflict avoidance.
- It is important to consider contexts in which less direct approaches to resolving conflict might be beneficial, such as the cultural context.
Are there ever times when we might instead need to avoid conflict, or where this might be the better way to manage a conflict? In other words, are there times when we should sweep conflict under the rug?
In general, the practice of avoiding conflict or pretending that it doesn’t exist can lead to indirect and passive communication and may mean that issues in relationships are not resolved, sometimes reducing the satisfaction people feel. However, in many cultures and social situations, conflict avoidance is seen as a valid conflict management strategy and may actually benefit people by creating greater social cohesion, acceptance by peers, and group harmony.
When deciding whether to approach or avoid conflict, it may be helpful to hold a few things in mind.
The cultural backgrounds of all parties
Certain collectivist cultures are likely to value social cohesion highly and may thus avoid conflict as a way of maintaining peace. It is useful to think about the backgrounds of those involved in the conflict to determine whether cultural influences might make it more likely that they prefer to engage in conflict avoidance as a means of keeping peace.
Safety
It can be dangerous to approach conflict if one, or both parties are aggressive or violent. As an example, the risk of harm to women in violent relationships is highest at the time of separation. It is important to carefully consider safety when deciding whether to approach or avoid conflicts.
The context
There are times when it is more difficult to approach or resolve conflicts, such as if one of the parties is very emotionally heightened, attacking, or defensive. Good conflict resolution relies on problem-solving, which involves self-regulation and emotional regulation. When emotions are heightened, or if the context is otherwise unsupportive (e.g., if there is no space or time to explore a situation in detail) it may be more beneficial to postpone conversations or attempts to approach conflicts."
Read the full available article on Psychology Today
Reflection: Have you ever "picked your battles" when it comes to either chosing to engage in a conflict or avoiding it entierly with someone?
#Conflict #Avoidance #ConflictResolution
@professionalVision2624 Conflicts generally don't benefit any side and they should be avoided in any case as they can cause unwanted harm. The best thing to do is set distinct boundaries and if the person doesn't repect those, then conflict may be required but it should be the worst case scenario. Best thing to do is ask for help by someone with the appropriate authority to take care of the situation. Thank you for the post!
@calmDew1576
Yes I agree, there is a time and place for certain types of conflict and sometimes they are necesarry and other times they are not. Thank you for the comment!
@professionalVision2624 I think there are times where we have to be the bigger person and let it go especially if it's nothing worth fighting for.
@comfortableNight4463
Mhhh I agree! Sometimes being the "bigger and more mature person" is healthy and essential in being able to put a stop to endless and unessecary fights.
@professionalVision2624
Admittedly, I tend to avoid conflict.
I think I need to get better at finding a balance and be more open to problem solving! 💛💫
@innateJoy9602
Yes! I'm the same as you, I don't like conflicts, but conflicts can make our relationship stronger aswell as raising our self-respect and how others percive you <3
