PSYCH 137C Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Document Summary
Two people have unique sets of goals, needs, and preferences. Opportunities for misunderstanding and miscommunication, discussion and debates that ensue can sometimes pose a threat to the partners" feelings for one another, and to their own well-being. Most fundamental level disagreements arise because both partners cannot simultaneously have what they want. Conflict: arises when one person pursues his or her goals in such a way that it interferes with the other person"s goals. Beings with the recognition that participants in social interaction have goals (need not be conscious, may be specific or general, may be short-term or long- term) Goals can be trivial or monumental, people can be aware of them or barely able to articulate them. Conflicts between people conflicts of interest are inevitable. Particularly likely when the two people are highly interdependent and in frequent contact. How couples disagree is most consequential for their relationship, more than whether they disagree or what they disagree about.
