A Comprehensive of Family Conflict Resolution Style: Which is Adaptive?

Abstract

Conflict is an inseparable part of family dynamics. Conflicts in one domain can spread to other domains and risk being passed on to the next generation. Destructive or inconsistent conflict resolution hurts family well-being and children's socio-emotional development. On the other hand, an adaptive conflict resolution style plays an important role in strengthening family relationships. This literature review aims to identify various conflict resolution styles and contextual factors that play a role in conflict resolution and evaluate their impact on family welfare. The research design uses a scoping review through seven databases, namely Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and Emerald Insight. The inclusion criteria set are, 1) articles published within the year range (2015-2024), 2) empirical articles that examine family conflict and conflict resolution styles or conflict management, 3) in English and Indonesian, and 4) full-text. From the search results, 22 articles were found that met the inclusion criteria. This review found five conflict resolution styles which are divided into two, namely the constructive resolution style including compromise, obliging, and integrating, and destructive ones such as avoidance, and dominating. The choice of conflict resolution style is influenced by attachment style, personality, gender, family communication pattern, and parenting. Understanding various conflict resolution styles and contextual factors not only plays a role in resolving conflict but also in strengthening family relationships.

Keywords: Conflict management, conflict resolution style, family conflict, parent-child conflict, predictor