Conflict Styles

It’s interesting to examine some of the gender differences in responding to conflict (based on research). However, just because you are male or female doesn’t necessarily mean you fall under that particular gender style.

Feminine styles:

• Are concerned with caring & equity
• Encourage mutual involvement
• Attribute crises to problems in the relationship
• Respond to conflict by focusing on the relationship

Masculine styles:

• Are concerned with equity and fairness; adhere to principles and rules
• Protect self-interest
• Attribute crises to problems outside of the relationship
• Respond to conflict by focusing on rules

(Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2008, p.224)

Which style to you fall under? Do you feel your conflict style is positively or negatively impacting your personal and family relationships?

References:

Beebe, S.A., Beebe, S.J. & Redmond, M.V. (2011). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others (6th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Education, Inc.

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