Blowing Up: The Psychology of Conflict

by Randi Minetor

Overview

This is a powerful resource for anyone who wants to understand the nature of interpersonal conflict—to study it, understand why it's a consistent part of human history, and perhaps avert it in their own lives.

Why does conflict surround us in everyday life, from spats between individuals to major conflicts involving large groups? Is conflict inevitable? Why are conflicts and differences of opinion often so hard to resolve? Blowing Up: The Psychology of Conflict focuses on interpersonal conflict and the ways that this level of conflict can move beyond the original relationship to permeate larger constructs—small groups, large groups, whole organizations, and even entire nations. By examining both the positive and negative consequences of conflict—and by documenting its existence as normal and common—readers can appreciate how conflict does not immediately equate to negative feelings and how it also can be useful in creating rules and laws, aiding in negotiation, and bringing people together to work toward a common goal.

This clear and accessibly written book in Greenwood's Psychology of Everyday Life series provides students with an understanding of the important role conflict plays in our lives, the many forms conflict may take, and the ways that conflict can actually be constructive and useful as well as destructive to relationships, discussions, and groups. The historical overview of established theories and the study of conflict to date provides readers with invaluable perspective into the subject by identifying and analyzing specific conflicts, including well-publicized conflicts in foreign countries. The book also charts conflict throughout the life cycle to help students identify the reasons for conflicts that occur in their own lives—with parents, friends, siblings, employers, romantic partners, and people in authority.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440844676
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/21/2017
Series:	The Psychology of Everyday Life
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Randi Minetor, MA, is the author of more than 60 books in the areas of sociology, reference, history, business, folklore, travel, nature, and general interest.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword ix

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xvii

Part I Conflict in Everyday Life 1

1 What: The Many Forms of Conflict 3

2 Why: The Importance of Conflict in Our Lives 23

3 How: The Positive and Negative Effects of Conflict 45

4 Who: Psychologists' Theories about Conflict 67

5 When: Conflict throughout the Life Cycle 91

6 Where: Conflict around the World 111

Part 11 Scenarios 133

Part III Controversies and Debates 145

Directory of Resources 169

Glossary 175

Bibliography 179

About the Author and Contributors 191

Index 195

Editorial Reviews

This exceptional contribution offers practical advice to a diverse readership; however, it targets teenager and young adult audiences. Writing to a well-defined readership is an excellent approach for reaching out to those experiencing the turmoil of erratic emotions while transitioning towards adulthood. Every high school, community college, and university library should consider adding this book to their resource collections.” —ARBAonline

“This is a well-written, carefully organized, comprehensive presentation of issues related to the psychology of conflict. Although the book is geared toward general readers, health professionals and psychology instructors are likely to find this text informative as well. . . . Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates, faculty, and professionals.” —Choice

From the Publisher