ABSTRACT
Interpersonal conflict is embedded within the understanding of interpersonal relationships. Sustained human social contact demands the formation of interpersonal relationships, and the inevitable and frequent changes in those relationships surfaces conflict. For as long as history has reflected on interpersonal relationships, it has sought to understand how conflict brings about changes in these relationships. As this chapter will show, sometimes the research focuses on psychological factors that precipitate conflict, sociological factors that enhance or diminish conflict, and cultural factors that influence resolution strategies. Our goal in the chapter is to provide a sense of the breadth of research that has examined the role conflict plays in how various kinds of relationships change. We will begin by providing a framework for understanding relationships.
