1. Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions
Dr. Allan Barsky

2. Evidence-Based CR Practice
If the only tool you have is a hammer, then it is tempting to view every problem as a nail.
~ Maslow, 1962
Importance of theory, research, observation, assessment, planning… application.
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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3. Agenda: Theories 1. Biological 2.Psychological 3. Social 4. Conflict
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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4. Application Questions
ASSESSMENT: How does the theory conceptualize or explain conflict?
INTERVENTION: How does the theory explain how people change?
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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5. Biological Theories & CR
Human Needs Theory
Neuroscience
Neuroscience – Amygdala/Cortex
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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6. Psychological Theory & CR
Personality Theories
Psychoanalytic Theories
Defense Mechanisms
Developmental Theories (e.g., attachment)
Relative Deprivation Theory
Narcissistic personality disorder… focus on me
Cognitive distortions – how the mind fools itself, problems in perception, problems in interpretation, tendency to look at issues from one perspecive…
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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7. Psychological (continued)
Loss Theory
Behavioral Theories
Cognitive Theories
Attribution Theory
Resilience Theory
Humanism
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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8. Social Theories Systems Theory – Eco, Family Communication Theory
Social Constructionism
Social Exchange Theory
Decision-Making Theories
Game Theory (Chicken Video)
Sociocultural Theories
Social Identity Theory
Social Interdependence Theory
Social Theories
Systems – Ecomap, Genogram…
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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9. Decision Trees Squares – decision points Circles – Expected outcome
Branches
Probabilities
Expected Outcomes (weighted averages)
Hard / Soft Factors
Fight, flight, freeze.
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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10. Decision Tree Analysis
1. Depict the decisions to be made and possible outcomes for each decision.
2. Assign probabilities to each of the uncertain events.
3. Assign values to each of the possible outcomes.
4. Calculate the “Expected Values” for each possible alternative.
5. Identify soft factors that are relevant to the decisions to be made.
6. Decide on the best alternative, taking financial costs, benefits, and soft factors into account.
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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11. Example – Appendix 1: Salary Conflict
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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12. Marxism Structuralism Radical Feminism Conflict Theory
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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13. What do you hope to achieve through CR?
Amicable resolution
Social justice
Repaired relationships
Avoid court
Transform society
Enhance CR skills…
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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14. Decision Tree Exercises (App.1)
Playing the Lottery
Asking for a Raise
Spousal Support
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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15. Role-Play A1.1: “Joint Decision Tree—Casey’s Case”
Parents – Pamela and Parker
Child - Casey has mile cognitive impairment
Conflict over mainstream vs. specialized schools
Edwina – education specialist – helping parents make decision through joint decision tree
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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16. Discussion Questions – Ch.2
1. Theoretical Understandings
5. Culture Clash
6. Theoretical Match
7. To Shirk or Not to Shirk
Dr. A. Barsky - Chapter 2: Theoretical Bases of CR
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