"Numerous research studies have shown that the quantity of conflict in a relationship is not as important as how the conflict is handled." What are two positive effects or benefits of improving your competence in dealing with interpersonal conflict? What are two negative effects of poor or ineffective communication during interpersonal conflict? What strategy can you use to stay focused on the goal of understanding the other person in the interpersonal conflict situation and not have so many interpersonal conflicts with the same person?

Each of the five conflict management styles in Lesson 10 relates to the concern we have for ourselves versus the concern we have for the other person in the interpersonal conflict situation. Explain why "both people lose" in most interpersonal conflict situations where the avoiding conflict management strategy is used. Why and when would someone consciously decide to use the avoiding conflict management style?

Collaborating leads to a win/win situation in which neither party has to make concessions because a mutually beneficial solution is discovered or created." Think about interpersonal conflict situations where the collaborating conflict management style is used. Explain why the collaborating conflict management style often takes the most effort and takes the most time in terms of communication competence. Why and when would someone decide to use the collaborating conflict management style?

Of the conflict triggers discussed (criticism, demands, cumulative annoyance, rejection, one-upping, and mindreading) which one do you find most often triggers a negative reaction from you? What strategies can you use to better manage the trigger and more effectively manage conflict?

Think of the last time you had to negotiate in an interpersonal relationship. Explain in detail what occurred in each step of the negotiation process and what the outcome was. Assess whether the negotiation had a positive or negative outcome and the reason for that outcome.