8.5 Summarize the definition and seven types of interpersonal conflict; key characteristics of nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative styles of conflict management; and ways in which people can cooperate in conflict situations by managing their emotions, managing information, managing goals, and managing the problem.

Conflict is inevitable in relationships and is rooted in interpersonal communication. Interpersonal conflict occurs when people cannot agree on a way to meet their needs. Conflict can be constructive or destructive in a relationship, and it occurs in multiple forms: pseudoconflict, simple conflict, ego conflict, serial arguments, and irresolvable (intractable) conflict.

Conflict involves power, which may manifest itself in assertive communication or aggressive communication.

Research has revealed three general styles of managing conflict: nonconfrontational, confrontational, and cooperative.

In managing conflict, it’s important to manage your emotions, manage the information surrounding the dispute at hand, manage competing goals that may be the root of the problem, and manage the problem rather than the emotion of the situation or the people involved in the conflict.