Constructive and Destructive Approaches to Conflict
Area of Concern | Constructive Approach | Destructive Approach |
| Issues | Raises & clarifies issues | Brings up old issues |
| Feelings | Expresses both positive & negative feelings | Expresses only negative feelings |
| Information | Complete and honest information | Selective information |
| Focus | Conflict focuses on issue | Conflict focuses on person |
| Blame | Accepts mutual blame | Blames other person(s) for problem |
| Perception | Focuses on similarities | Focuses on differences |
| Change | Facilitates change to prevent stagnation | Minimizes change, increasing conflict |
| Outcome | Both win | One wins, one loses; or both lose |
| Intimacy | Resolving conflict increases intimacy | Escalating conflict decreases intimacy |