PERSONAL DETERMINANTS OF CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN CONFLICT SITUATIONS

Abstract

The article presents results of an empirical study of personal determinants of constructive behavior in conflict situations in adults. The relevance of the study is due to the increase in the number of conflict situations in the daily life of an individual in conditions of social transformations, increased pace of life and psychological vulnerability, which actualizes the need to study personal factors of constructive behavior in conflict. The study was based on the assumption that personal assertiveness, development of emotional intelligence and the use of effective coping strategies can be personal determinants of constructive behavior in conflict situations. It has been found that the dominant style of behavior in conflict for both women and men is “cooperation”, which indicates an orientation towards a constructive solution taking into account the interests of both parties. In second place is “rivalry”, which reflects the desire to achieve one’s own goal despite the presence of a conflict. The third most frequent style is “compromise”, which indicates a willingness to make mutual concessions. The least pronounced are the styles of “adaptation” and “avoidance”, which indicates a low tendency to passive avoidance or adjustment in difficult situations. Personal determinants of constructive behavior in conflict have been studied. The authors have found that the level of assertiveness in men is higher compared to women, which is manifested in greater autonomy and confidence in behavior. In women, assertiveness is manifested in favorable conditions and has the potential to grow. It has been found that the emotional intelligence of respondents is generally at an average level with a tendency to high. Women demonstrate higher indicators of emotional awareness, empathy and recognition of other people’s emotions, while men – in emotion management and self-motivation. It has been found that adaptive coping strategies prevail in both groups, which indicates effectiveness in overcoming difficulties. It has been recorded that women use prosocial and indirect strategies more often, and also have higher emotional reactivity; men are more prone to internal autonomy and demonstrate some aggressive tendencies. Maladaptive strategies are rare in both groups, which indicates the general psychological maturity of the respondents. According to the results of the correlation analysis, the hypothesis has been confirmed.