Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

Introduction

Psychology provides us with several critical insights which help in understanding social conflicts and disputes and their management. These insights include situations that are likely to occur in case of any outbreak of disputes and attempts of resolution. It also includes the interaction of personalities. There are many ways of resolving conflicts, for example negotiation and mediation etc.

Discussion

There are many different kinds of conflicts that people come across in their daily lives and there are numerous reasons why these conflicts occur for example threats and promises, third party intervention, employment issues and many other factors (Miall, Woodhouse & Ramsbotham, 2011). Cases discussed in the assignment will help in providing a better understanding of the meaning and process of Conflict Resolution.

Case 1

This case is about a mother Samanta Koh, who is 50 years old and has 4 children. Her eldest daughter is appearing for her GCE O level and her second son is currently taking PSLE. Samanta herself is studying and taking evening classes twice a week after work. Samanta's husband recently got retrenched and she lives with her mother in law who is a widow and her Down syndrome sister. Samanta teaches at a special school that requires a lot of participation in several events and competitions internationally.

Lately due to all this stress and burden Samanta has been suffering from migraines and she has been taking painkillers in order to reduce the headaches. This has recently been identified by her principal as she noticed a subtle delay in the submission of her assignment and has also discussed with her the increasing punctuality issue. Samanta has also been skipping meals and has been immensely relies on instant ready food. She has also become very unsocial and avoids attending parties as she considers time as a very valuable asset. Due to her busy routine she has been unable to give time to her husband as well, who loves her a lot.

If the case is closely analyzed, many probable causes of these problems can be identified. One of the major problems that has lead to Samanta's situation is the burden of numerous responsibilities on her (Deutsch, Deutsch & Marcus, 2006). She does not only have to take care of her children, but also has to play the role of a father. She is the only income earner in the house, which makes her responsible for all the expenditures that occur in the house. She has to take her of her mother in law and her sister, her husband and her kids.

Another cause of this problem can be the retrenchment of her husband because if her husband was earning a handsome amount every month, it would have shared the burden that is currently experienced by Samanta. Stress is another factor that triggers her condition, as she believes that if she wastes a single minute in a day, it can lead to major delays and problems. Another factor that results in Samanta's condition is her profession. Teaching is a noble profession and ...