Which term best describes avoiding or withdrawing from conflict?

Which term best describes avoiding or withdrawing from conflict?

• A. Perceived conflict
• B. Felt conflict
• C. Avoiding/withdrawing
• D. Interpersonal communication

Answer: (C)

Describing how someone handles a dispute by stepping back and not engaging is captured by the term avoiding/withdrawing. This behavior is about retreating from the interaction to reduce immediate tension rather than addressing the issue. It’s different from recognizing there’s a conflict (perceived conflict) or the emotional strain people feel about it (felt conflict), and it isn’t about the process of communicating with others (interpersonal communication). Using this approach can lower short-term tension, but it often leaves underlying problems unresolved.

Describing how someone handles a dispute by stepping back and not engaging is captured by the term avoiding/withdrawing. This behavior is about retreating from the interaction to reduce immediate tension rather than addressing the issue. It’s different from recognizing there’s a conflict (perceived conflict) or the emotional strain people feel about it (felt conflict), and it isn’t about the process of communicating with others (interpersonal communication). Using this approach can lower short-term tension, but it often leaves underlying problems unresolved.