Strategie rozwiązywania konfliktów w systemie rodzinnym

Abstract

The article presents a penetrating analysis of strategies of conflict resolution which can be used within families. Conflict has been variously defined as disagreement, clashes, and discordance in interests or ideas. In the context of the family system it is emphasized that conflict is a process rather than a behaviour, and has an interactive character. Conflict is inevitable between members of family e.g. husband-wife, parents-children, because of personality differences, contradictory ideas and notions, dissimilar temperaments. Nevertheless, conflict can be resolved in most cases. The consequences of conflict include: emotional distress, hatred, inertness, suffering, divorce, disturbances in family interactions. Two strategies of conflict resolution were presented. First, negative strategies e.g. avoidance, accusing, manipulation, withdrawing emotion were shown. Not only do they remove existing problems, but they lead to escalation of conflict which in turn generates further problems. Being based on egocentric approach negative strategies do not take into consideration people’s emotional states and conflict characteristics. Second, positive strategies e.g. distinguishing most important problems, focusing on issues, highlighting broader areas of agreement, appreciation of others create a helpful environment for conflict resolution. They enable people to modify harmful and conflicted family interactions and cause mutual understanding among family members. By strengthening interpersonal communication positive strategies turn out to be effective ways in promoting constructive dialogue.