At what stage do parties in conflict begin to develop strategies for resolution?

In the context of conflict resolution, the stage where parties begin to develop strategies for resolution is the felt conflict stage. During this phase, individuals recognize that there is a conflict present, and they start to feel the emotional and psychological effects that arise from it. This awareness prompts them to reflect on their positions and consider their interests, which sets the groundwork for devising resolution strategies.

In this stage, the intensity of the conflict is acknowledged, and parties typically begin to express their concerns, goals, and the impacts the conflict is having on their relationships. It is at this point that they may start thinking about how they can address the issues at hand, leading to potential collaboration or compromise. The development of resolution strategies relies heavily on understanding one’s feelings and perceptions of the conflict, which is characteristic of the felt conflict stage.

In contrast, other stages such as manifest conflict refer to an open expression of the conflict, where parties confront each other directly. Latent conflict occurs before any recognition or emotional response, where underlying issues are yet to emerge. The perceived conflict stage involves individuals identifying the conflict but may not have yet resulted in emotional engagement or the drive to develop resolutions actively. Therefore, felt conflict is critical for setting the stage for constructive conflict management and resolution strategies