ABSTRACT
It is an honor to comment on this volume of meta-analyses focused on communication and conflict. Upon reading the chapters, I am impressed with the range of relationships, institutional contexts, and types of dispute resolution processes where the authors have quantitatively synthesized research findings. Chapters in this volume report meta-analyses of conflict strategies, patterns, and outcomes in personal relationships (e.g., marriage, romantic relationships) and professional relationships (e.g., coworkers, peers at school). Meta-analyses assess conflict within institutional contexts, such as secondary schools and universities, the justice system, and the political sphere. Chapters focus on disputes such as divorce, sexual harassment, and environmental conflicts. Finally, meta-analyses are presented on the role of communication during interpersonal conflict management, bargaining and negotiation, group decision making, and mediation.
