Adults' narratives of positive and negative conflicts

Abstract

AbstractThe study aimed to find out which features of conflict contribute to making it a positive experience and which features lead to conflict being evaluated negatively. The sample included 65 adults who provided narratives of positive and negative conflicts. The narratives of positive and negative conflicts were similar in the context and topics: Adults most frequently narrated about conflicts at work and in close relationships that were about differences in values, relationship issues, and resources. The findings suggest that desirable outcomes contribute most strongly to conflicts being viewed positively. In narratives about negative conflicts, participants described undesirable outcomes, but also the conflict process and negative emotions. The behavior of the conflict parties and reaching a solution were the two specific features determining whether the conflict was viewed as positive or negative. The findings have practical implications for improving conflict resolution.