Styles of Conflict Management

Abstract

This article features a questionnaire exploring different ways that couples approach conflict. Five animals-shark, owl, fox, turtle, and teddy bear-are used to represent different conflict management styles characterized by a combination of high (or low) personal goals and high (or low) relationship goals. The advantages and disadvantages of each style are also presented, as well as exnamples of when each pure typology is most appropriate. The article concludes with a series of integrating reflective "next-step" questionsforcouples.