In modern scientific literature on the psychology of conflict, there are currently about a hundred definitions of this phenomenon. But they differ significantly in formulations, since the authors distinguish different sides of the conflict.
The most popular and universally accepted definition is as follows. The conflict is a manifestation of subjective and objective contradictions that are expressed in the confrontation of the parties. Currently, there are several of his classifications, which were created on several grounds.
Types of conflicts in accordance with the level of opposing parties were distinguished by A. Zdravomyslov:
- interindividual;
- intergroup.
In general, its classification is descriptive.
The types of conflicts identified by R. Darendorf are generally recognized. This classification is currently the most popular, because it was able to cover a large number of parameters.
First, in accordance with the sources of occurrence, the scientist identifies conflicts of identification, values and interests.
Secondly, according to the presence of the social consequences of opposition, they are unsuccessful or successful, constructive or constructive, destructive or destructive.
Thirdly, conflicts stand out in scale. In accordance with this, there are: global, mega-conflicts, macro-, micro, interstate, regional and local conflicts.
Fourth, conflicts are distinguished by forms of struggle (non-peaceful and peaceful).
Fifth, oppositions are divided according to the peculiarities of the conditions of their origin (exogenous and endogenous).
Sixth, conflicts can be divided in accordance with the attitude of subjects towards them (latent, false, random and genuine).
Seventh, according to the features of tactics used in the confrontation, there are: debate, game and battle.
Types of social conflicts highlighted A. Dmitrov. He built his classification on several grounds.
- In accordance with the scope of activities there are political, economic, educational, social, labor, social and other conflicts.
- Types of conflict are also distinguished in relation to a specific subject. Based on this, there are: internal, or personal, as well as external (intergroup and interpersonal).
It is also accepted to single out the following types of conflicts in psychology:
- Role-playing, in which the problem arises of choosing one of the existing desirable and possible options: intergroup, interpersonal and intrapersonal.
- Motivational, related to professional activities (dissatisfaction, constant overwork and stress at work).
- Cognitive, which usually applies only to a specific person, his inner world and self-awareness.
But the most common classification in which types of conflicts are distinguished is the following:
- At the intrapersonal level, there are usually internal confrontations of a person (the struggle of motives, desires, and so on). Usually they are the most difficult to solve, since it is very difficult for a person to agree with himself.
- Conflicts at the intergroup level, which include the confrontation of the interests of certain groups in any area. They are most often generated by the struggle for those resources that are limited, as well as for spheres of influence in one organization. Usually in a team there are a large number of informal and formal groups that have different interests, desires and aspirations.
- A variety of conflicts at the interpersonal level, the causes of which are different (family, professional and others).
As you can see, types of conflicts can be distinguished by many parameters and signs.