ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to bridge the lines of research through an examination of the relationships between young American adults' cultural orientations and conflict management styles in the context of peer and intergenerational conflicts. Cross-cultural communication research has found a direct effect of cultural orientations on communication styles (high versus low context) as well as an indirect effect that is mediated by cultural values based on sociocultural learning. The chapter also aims to explore the role of filial obligations in explaining the association between IND–COL and intergenerational conflict management styles. As age is a fundamental aspect of social categorization similar to other intergroup distinctions such as gender and race, the chapter examines the influences of age group membership on American young adults' conflict management styles. A structural model was specified to test the first hypothesis concerning the relationships between endorsement of cultural orientations and conflict management styles with peers and older adults.
