Chapter 10: Interpersonal Conflict

Which of your relationships contains the most conflict right now? Your answer to this question probably depends on the various contexts in your life. If you live with family, you may have daily conflicts as you try to balance your autonomy with the practicalities of living under your family’s roof. Or, if you live with friends, you may negotiate roommate conflicts. You probably also have experience in managing conflict in romantic relationships and the workplace. Think back and ask yourself, “How well do I handle conflict?” As with all areas of communication, we can improve if we have the background knowledge to identify relevant communication phenomena and the motivation to reflect on and enhance our communication skills. In this chapter, we will explore interpersonal conflict, describe common conflict management styles and conclude with some guidance on effectively managing conflict.