Conflict Resolution



One disagreement or conflict that I have recently experienced is in relation to compulsory vaccination against Covid. I can't entirely agree that the government forces people to get the Covid vaccine. Everyone decides about their body, and no one can force you to make a decision with which you do not feel safe or disagree. Some members of my family and other close people have commented and insisted that we all should get it, which has created friction and discussions between the family.

O'Hair et al. (2018) stated that the styles we use for managing conflict, whether simple or complicated, generally fall into one of three basic categories: escapist, competitive, or cooperative. Escapist strategies such as avoiding or obliging prevent or avoid having to deal with conflict altogether. Competitive strategies such as direct and indirect fighting engage in conflict to pursue own goals. And, cooperative strategies including compromising and collaborating, engage in conflict to pursue mutual goals. In my particular situation/conflict, I think the escapist is the best strategy I could use to deal with the situation. We have engaged in competitive strategies where each member of the family gives their opinion, but since everyone sticks with their belief and are not open to new perspectives or opinions, I think it is best to use the avoiding or obliging strategy and don't talk about the situation anymore. As O'Hair et al. (2018) said, obliging strategy can be effective at preserving relational harmony, particularly when an issue is relatively unimportant or when giving in shows that you recognize how much the issue really means to the other person.

I have learned that sometimes we have to accept and respect other people's opinions, although we do not necessarily agree with them, rather than engage in competitive strategies and continue to argue about things that are not so important. Instead, we should use Nonviolent Communication to enhance connection and understanding by honestly expressing our feelings and needs and empathically listening to others' feelings and needs (Center for Nonviolent Communication, 2007). Being empathetic and taking into account others' opinions and perspectives will help us engage in more effective and positive communication and interactions. 



References

Center for Nonviolent Communication. (2007). An introduction to nonviolent communication: A language of compassion rather than domination. http://www.schooltransformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Kendrick_NVC_Materials.pdf

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real communication: An introduction (4th. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.



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