ABSTRACT
Beyond the perceived stability of relationships, a critical factor to consider is how conflict relates to network structures, since social structures have implications for actors’ behaviours and outcomes. In dense and multiplex networks, due to their strong interconnectedness, a threat to one social link has the potential to collapse one’s entire social network. The different social network structures naturally predispose individuals to judge, assess and evaluate their interpersonal relationships differently. R. Harre et al. assert that individual action operates in a context. Communication should therefore be viewed as a dynamic relationship between actor and environment. H. Ren and B. Gray purport that relationship conflicts produce severe negative consequences for individuals, including anxiety, psychological strain, decreased task performance, and a decline of satisfaction and commitment. While strong social networks may be beneficial in terms of support, the greater interconnectedness of relational links in dense and multiplex networks also means that conflict has wider-reaching repercussions.
