Conflict, as a clash of conflicting forces and interests, inevitably accompanies humanity throughout its history. Whether two people find out relations or several states - all this has one name. Although one person is quite enough, considering that there is an intrapersonal conflict. Almost always, the outcome of the conflict is unpredictable, and the consequences cannot be predicted.
Do not think that conflict is always evil. In some cases, it is even a necessity, because it reveals accumulated and hushed up problems, and with skillful conflict management there is a chance to get a positive result. However, the escalation of the conflict, which often leads to insoluble contradictions, does not carry any constructive significance, since it deprives participants in the events of the ability to adequately assess the situation and be aware of what is happening. Being in the grip of emotions, both sides are not able to think objectively, they are controlled by the complete denial of the opponent, unwillingness and inability to listen to him. The subject of contradiction is already losing its meaning, and hatred of the enemy comes first. Arguments are replaced by the transition to the individual.
So what is escalation? This word comes from the English escalation and generally means "building, increasing, expanding, aggravation", it is used far from only in psychology. The growth of something happens spontaneously and irreversibly, like a snowball.
In the process of escalation, some regular transformations can be observed, depending on the subject and scope of the dispute, such as
- From lesser to more. The longer the escalation of the conflict, the longer
opponents make claims to each other, recalling something long forgotten or insignificant. - From soft to hard. If politeness, charm and
cunning, then gradually the manner of communication develops into threats, blackmail, etc. - From private to general. A special case takes on the scale of a tendency; opponents see each other as irreconcilable enemies, regardless of the subject and outcome of the dispute.
- From the pursuit of results. Now it is important for the conflicting parties not so much to solve the problem in their favor as to defeat the opponent.
- From engaging units to engaging supporters. Each of the opponents seeks to create the so-called “army”, and in this case, the adherents are not at all eager to take sides, but they are forced to do so.
Psychologists and sociologists identified four main stages of the conflict:
- Pre-conflict stage. It is characterized by increased tension and the discovery of contradictions that quietly overlap with each other in order to lead to a conflict at some point.
- Conflict situation. At this stage, the problems become apparent and the parties enter into a confrontation, while still implicit.
- Conflict. Open actions begin, resulting in an escalation of the conflict. This stage can be very short in time and end by itself, thanks to the thoughtfulness of one or all of the participants or help from the outside, or it can drag on for a very long time, periodically fading, so that it gets aggravated again at the slightest occasion.
- Post-conflict phase. The parties come to some conclusion, however, this does not always mean that the conflict is settled. But with a reasonable approach and the willingness of the parties to find a solution, the conflict can be considered completed.
The escalation of conflict does not always occur in contradictions. Either the problem is solved before the transition to this stage, or the parties skillfully circumvent it. Is escalation always destructive? It does not carry anything active in itself, only negative emotions, but it is worth noting that some people simply need such an emission of negative energy. For them, it’s less energy-consuming to quarrel with someone than to try to prevent an “explosion”. Individuals or entire groups deliberately provoke scandals and create conflicts that they themselves will never be the first to leave.