When a conflict escalates, the most characteristic features are: Escalation, de-escalation, dead point of conflict

Conflict escalation is an increase in confrontation between the parties. Models, types, phases and tactics of behavior may vary.

It is impossible to avoid conflict situations. The problem of their development has been repeatedly raised by professional psychologists and specialists in this field. They often use the concept of “escalation”. What it is, its type and models, how it develops and what it leads to - you can find out about this by carefully studying the article.

What it is

Conflict escalation is the development of a conflict situation that progresses over time. The concept is used to define the growing confrontation between the parties, the result of which may be their negative impact on each other.

The escalation of a conflict situation is understood as its part, starting from the moment of a conflict of interests and ending with the weakening of the struggle, its end.

Models and types of conflict escalation

Spiral escalation is characterized by the following features:

the cognitive sphere in behavior or work is significantly reduced, in the process there is a transition to a primitive form of display;
adequate perception is repressed due to the implantation of an “enemy” image;
signs include a shift from argumentation to attack;
use of violence;
loss of the original subject of the conflict. It is replaced by the desire to win in a conflict situation, to “put down” the enemy.

The image of the enemy represents the idea of the opposing side. It distorts features about him and begins to take shape during the latent stage of a conflict situation. The image is supplied exclusively with negative ratings.

If there is no threat on his part, then the image may be indirect. Some experts compare it to a fuzzy and blurry photograph with a faded image.

Conflict escalation models:

"Attack - Defense"- one of the parties begins to make demands, the second refuses them and advocates preserving its interests as a principle. Failure of one of the parties to comply with the put forward demands sets the stage for repeated requests, more stringent in nature. Tightening begins to be accompanied by irrational behavior, which contributes to the manifestation of anger, despair and anger.
"Attack - attack"- a typical conflict situation, manifested in the alternate intensification of the aggressive behavior of the parties. Example: in response to a certain requirement, a more stringent request is put forward. Both sides become “captured” by negative emotions that they cannot get rid of. At the same time, even harmless proposals from the other side are rejected as unacceptable and unacceptable. Both participants are driven by the desire to “punish” the enemy for his thoughts and actions.

Stages and phases of development

The escalation of the conflict goes through the following phases of development:

"Gain"- the interests of the parties begin to collide more and more often and noticeably stronger, tension between opponents becomes noticeable, which can be relieved by conversation. The stage is characterized by the absence of parties or separate camps, the parties are ready to cooperate, and this desire exceeds the desire for competition.
"Controversy". Essential characteristics: contradictions begin to be expressed in debates, different points of view lead to a clash of views. Both sides believe they are using rational evidence, but verbal violence begins to occur. Groups are formed around the parties, the composition of which often changes.
Third stage conflict occurs if during the period of controversy the problem has not been resolved. Its signs: a transition to proving one’s rightness in practice, through action, fear of making mistakes, and the predominance of pessimistic expectations.
"Image"- stereotypes are included in the conflict, false rumors are spread, the image of an enemy is created, supporters are recruited, and the parties are irritated.
"Loss of Face". Features of the stage: integrity in terms of moral thinking and experience is lost; not only the image of the enemy, but also the image of the “I” becomes distorted and does not correspond to reality. Other features of the fifth stage: a feeling of disgust develops towards the rejected person; the rejected ones, in turn, lose their sensitivity, try to isolate themselves, “get lost.”
"Threat Strategy"- characterized by the fact that supporters take various actions aimed at showing decisiveness, creating forced actions, initiative is lost, the time required to make a decision is significantly reduced, a state of panic gradually increases, the parties are guided by other people’s advice, and act less and less on their own. At this stage, the conflict becomes a direct clash, it already carries a threat.
"Limited Strikes"— in psychology it is believed that at this stage, when making decisions, the moral qualities of a person are not perceived; the harm caused is perceived as some kind of “gain” for one’s side.
"Devastation"— name of the eighth phase. It has the following features: the desire to destroy the enemy’s system, the total destruction of the other side in the physical, material, social, and spiritual planes.
"Together into the Abyss"— the parties do not see a way back, a total confrontation begins, the main thing for the party is the destruction of the enemy. At this stage, a characteristic sign is observed - the readiness to harm the enemy at the cost of one’s own fall.

Behavior tactics

Escalation of the conflict involves the parties using the following behavioral tactics:

Capture and subsequent retention of the object of the conflict situation. This tactic is used when the subject of the conflict is material.
Violence. In such behavior, the following techniques are used: bodily injury, damage to property values, infliction of pain.
Psychological abuse: the desire to hurt the feelings of the other party (conceit, pride).
Coalition. This tactic involves strengthening one’s own rank in a situation by adding more participants to one’s group: leaders, friends, etc.
Pressure. Behavior is based on demands and orders, accompanied by threats. This category includes blackmail and presentation of ultimatums.
Friendliness. This behavior requires correct treatment, readiness to resolve the current situation, and an apology.
Deal. The tactics are based on mutual apologies and promises. The mechanisms of such behavior make it possible to resolve a conflict situation.

The ladder (escalation) of conflict can bring both adverse and positive consequences. Each of them will have an impact on the further development of opponents and their “camps”.

Video: Conflict escalation: what is it

“Conflicts are not immediately severe – the conflict gains strength only when when we allow it" (F. Glazl).

Austrian researcher F. Glasl identifies nine stages of conflict escalation and describes in detail the difference between them: intensification; debates and polemics; deeds instead of words; image and coalition; loss of face; threat strategy; limited destructive strikes; defeat; together into the abyss.

First stage - "gain" – characterized by the fact that:

Points of view are becoming more rigid and colliding more and more often.
Temporary setbacks cause confusion on both sides.
Awareness of existing tension causes stiffness.
Another prevailing belief is that tension can be relieved by talking to each other.
There are no clearly defined parties and camps yet.
The willingness to cooperate is stronger than thinking in terms of competition.

Second stage -« debate and controversy " – characterized by the fact that:

Contradictions are expressed in debates and polemics.
Polarization in thinking, feeling and will leads to conflict.
The complete dominance of black and white thinking prevails.
Cunning verbal tactics are used: participants pretend that they are turning to rational arguments - in reality, verbal pressure and verbal violence are manifested.
Through “fiery speeches for the tribune”, i.e. By involving third parties, the parties gain points and want to gain recognition.
Temporary groupings and parties with changing composition are created around the point of view of each side.
A discrepancy between the overtone and the undertone appears, causing confusion and skepticism.
The struggle for supremacy begins.
The attitude of “cooperation” and “competition” constantly alternates, which increases confusion.

If it is not possible to resolve differences through polemics and debates, then the development of the conflict moves to the third stage:

Conversations and speeches no longer help: that means you need to prove your case with action!
The parties confront each other, confronting each other with fait accompli. Fait accompli strategy.
Discrepancies begin between verbal statements and nonverbal behavior: the nonverbal effect predominates - what is done has a greater effect than what is said.
The danger of misinterpreting actions creates uncertainty. Misinterpretation of actions.
Pessimistic expectation as a consequence of mistrust causes the conflict to accelerate.
The parties are closing more closely, fencing themselves off and excluding dissenters.
The emerging group shell increases the pressure of opinion.
The ability to penetrate into the essence is completely lost.
“Like is drawn to like”: mutual pressure of opinions causes spiritual unification, conformism!
Crystallization of roles leads to specialization, rigidity and limitations.
The conflicting parties completely lose sympathy in big and small things.
The competitive attitude is stronger than the willingness to cooperate. [

Fourth stage - "image and coalition» – the focus is on one’s own image and efforts to maintain it:

Includes stereotypes, models, clichés regarding knowledge and skills; image campaigns are launched and rumors are spread that direct the confrontation.
Parties drive each other into negative roles (creating the image of an enemy) and fight against them (roles).
Recruitment is underway as the parties seek support due to perceived weaknesses.
Self-fulfilling prophecies through fixation on a one-sided and distorted image of the enemy confirm this image created by the parties.
Hidden mutual irritation appears; injections are given in such a way that it is difficult to prove.
The “double bind” creates mutual dependence through paradoxical tasks.

Fifth stage – "loss of face":

In open and direct attack, moral integrity is lost.
“Exposure actions” are deliberately staged as a public ritual. Exposure leads to “disappointment” and “sorry” in hindsight.
It comes down to a dramatized pushing out and “expulsion” of those exposed.
Disclosure causes disappointment in those rejected. They believe that until now they have been in error.
The experience of exposure leads to the fact that, looking back at the affairs of the exposed persons, the parties see only things worthy of condemnation.
One’s own image and the image of the enemy become distorted, representing “angels” on one side and “devils” on the other, and negative “doubles” dominate further events.
A feeling of disgust arises towards a rejected person or group.
The rejected lose their external sensitivity; they are isolated, “in their own den.”
Points of contention become fundamental issues of religion, ideology, nationality and core values.
Rejected parties strive for rehabilitation at any cost.

At this stage, the conflict situation turns into a direct clash, the conflict becomes radical and much more serious.

Sixth stage - "threat strategy" :

The spiral of threats and counter-threats is unwinding ever faster.
The threat triangle works if “1 demand = 2 punishment = 3 credibility through proportionality.”
Opponents take various actions (“barrage system”) to show their determination.
With each threat, the conflicting parties create for themselves a situation of forced action.
Threats lose their own initiative.
Ultimatums and counter-ultimatums lead to increased stress through demands.
The effect of scissors constantly occurs: the time for making a decision is reduced, the complexity of the decisions made increases; Lack of action makes the consequences even more difficult.
Everything is speeding up, events are layered, turmoil and panic are intensifying.
The parties are increasingly acting under the influence of others, that is, reacting more than acting themselves.

WITH seventh step - "limited destructive strikes" :

The parties’ thinking now occurs only in “categories of things.”
When making decisions and actions, no human qualities are taken into account anymore.
Limited strikes are understood as an "appropriate response"; proportional counterattacks are being avoided for now.
Values and virtues are transformed into their opposite: relatively small harm to the other side is understood as a “gain” for one’s own side, and so on.

Eighth step - "debacle" :

The desire to cause the destruction of the enemy system: the parties try to destroy vital factors or organs and thereby make the system uncontrollable.
Participants in the struggle do everything to cut off the enemy’s “front” from his “rear.”
The goal becomes the total destruction of the enemy: physical-material (economic) or mental-social and spiritual destruction. [

Ninth stage– "together into the abyss»:

The parties no longer see a way back: “We must go forward at any cost: there is no turning back!”
The conflicting parties begin a total confrontation.
The parties feel a desire for self-destruction: the main thing is to destroy the enemy!
The only goal becomes the total destruction of the enemy at the cost of self-destruction: the readiness to cause harm to those around him or his descendants at the cost of his own death.

This is the logic of the natural – uncontrollable – development of conflict and the consequence of conflictological incompetence. Glasl F. argues that conflict-prone people must know and be able to correctly determine the stages of conflict escalation. Recognizing the existence of a conflict and skillfully diagnosing the stages of escalation of the conflict are a prerequisite for a competent approach to the conflict.

However, just knowing the characteristics of escalation is not enough. Another danger in interpersonal communication is that if you are well aware of and distinguish between the stages of escalation, a conflict about a conflict may arise over this issue, the basis of which may be differences in opinions about the facts and personal differences of the parties. It is likely that participants have different perceptions of the level of conflict escalation they are at. If one of the participants talks about the conflict from the opposite side, this will create additional tension. Thus, through self-infection, a “conflict above conflict” is already created. Because of this, often one party believes that the other party is deliberately misrepresenting things and events. Thus, the struggle develops into a “conflict to resolve the conflict.”

Taking into account such specifics and joint acquaintance with the characteristics of the stages of conflict escalation makes it possible to achieve greater agreement in our assessment of the stages of escalation. Each stage of escalation can be determined by the fact of its manifestation - when the parties are already at this stage. But how can we avoid bringing the collision to its irreversible and destructive forms?

According to F. Glasl, most people have intuitive-experiential knowledge about the characteristics of escalation; Before each stage of conflict escalation, a person can feel a “threshold” that prompts him (the person) to comprehend, stop or turn and ask diagnostic questions at each threshold:

Do I really want this to continue?
To what extent do I still control myself?
Can I see the consequences of my actions?
Can I imagine unforeseen by-products of my actions?
Am I truly willing to accept the consequences of my actions and inactions?
Do I want to take responsibility for this?
In my actions, do I control myself or am I controlled by others?

Thresholds indicate how a person acts: consciously, not with full consciousness, or reacts thoughtlessly to the action of another conflicting party. These thresholds have a signaling function that awakens consciousness and serves self-defense.

It should be noted that the questions presented by the researcher are aimed at self-diagnosis of the behavior of one of the parties to the conflict and do not include a diagnosis of the situation in general and the other party to the conflict in particular.

Glazl F.

Escalation– (English escalation) expansion, build-up, gradual intensification, spread, aggravation [New Encyclopedic Dictionary 2000: 1407].

Conflictology and conflicts

The conflict enters the next stage - it escalates (increases). Escalation (from Latin scala - ladder) - a sharp intensification of the struggle of opponents - is its key, most intense stage, when all the contradictions between its participants intensify and all opportunities are used to win the confrontation.

The only question is: “who will win”, because this is no longer a local battle, but a full-scale battle. All resources are mobilized: material, political, financial, informational, physical, mental and others.

At this stage, any negotiations or other peaceful means of resolving the conflict become difficult. Emotions often begin to drown out reason, logic gives way to feelings. The main task is to cause as much harm as possible to the enemy at any cost. Therefore, at this stage, the original cause and main goal of the conflict may be lost and new reasons and new goals will come to the fore. During this stage of the conflict, a change in value orientations is also possible; in particular, values-means and values-goals can change places. The development of the conflict becomes spontaneous and uncontrollable.

There are ten main signs of conflict escalation:

1) narrowing of the cognitive sphere in behavior and activity, transition to more primitive methods of reflection.

2) displacement of adequate perception of another by the image of the enemy, accentuation of negative qualities (both real and illusory). “Alarming signals indicating that the “enemy image” is dominant:

* distrust (everything that comes from the enemy is either bad or, if reasonable, pursues dishonest goals);

* placing blame on the enemy (the enemy is responsible for all problems that have arisen and is to blame for everything);

* negative expectation (everything the enemy does, he does with the sole purpose of harming you);

* identification with evil (the enemy embodies the opposite of what you are and what you strive for, he wants to destroy what you value and therefore must be destroyed himself);

* the concept of “zero sum” (everything that benefits the enemy harms you and vice versa);

* deindividuation (anyone who belongs to a given group is automatically an enemy);

* refusal of sympathy (you have nothing in common with your enemy, no information can induce you to show humane feelings towards him, being guided by ethical criteria in relation to the enemy is dangerous and unwise).”

3) increase in emotional stress.

Arises as a reaction to an increase in the threat of possible damage; decreased controllability of the opposite side; inability to realize your interests to the desired extent in a short time; opponent's resistance.

4) transition from arguments to claims and personal attacks. The conflict usually begins with the expression of fairly reasonable arguments. But the arguments are accompanied by strong emotional overtones. The opponent, as a rule, reacts not to the argument, but to the coloring. His answer is no longer perceived as a counter-argument, but as an insult, a threat to a person’s self-esteem. The conflict shifts from the rational plane to the emotional level.

5) growth of the hierarchical rank of violated and protected interests and their polarization.

A more intense action affects the more important interests of the other side, and therefore the escalation of the conflict can be considered as a process of deepening contradictions. During escalation, the interests of the conflicting parties seem to be divided into two opposite poles.

6) demonstration of force and threat of its use

7) use of violence. As a rule, aggression is associated with some kind of internal compensation, compensation for damage. It is important to take into account that at this stage, not only the real threat matters, but sometimes even more - the potential threat.

8) loss of the original subject of disagreement

9) expansion of the boundaries of the conflict (generalization) - a transition to deeper contradictions, an increase in potential points of collision.

10) there may be an increase in the number of participants.

Let's look at some characteristics in more detail.

Creating an enemy image

This is one of the most important moments in the development stage of the conflict. It begins to form at its early stage and finally takes shape during the period of escalation. The internal unity of the group will be strengthened if, at the ideological level, the image of an enemy is created and constantly maintained, with whom it is necessary to fight and against which it is necessary to unite. The image of the enemy creates additional socio-psychological and ideological factors for the cohesion of a group, organization or society. In this case, their members realize that they are fighting not only (and even not so much) for their own interests, but for a “just cause,” for the country, the people, for the great and highest goal, which is the core of the group’s unification. In the presence of an image of an enemy, the subject of confrontation thus acquires an impersonal, objective character.

Thus, in an intergroup conflict, its participants, in order to maintain and strengthen the cohesion of the group, strive for the ideological and socio-psychological formulation of the image of the enemy. This enemy in reality can be either real or imaginary, that is, it can be invented or artificially formed to strengthen the unity of a group or society. The image of an enemy can also be created to solve intra-group contradictions and problems. In this case, its creation is associated with the search for a “scapegoat” to justify failures and mistakes in domestic politics, economics, etc. It is known how many “enemies of the people” were exposed and destroyed in the 30s and later in our country.

In connection with the above, one cannot but agree with the opinion of A.G. Zdravomyslov, who connects the creation of the image of the enemy with the creation of an ideological design of the conflict: “which for each of its participants appears in the form of a certain sum of criteria dividing the entire social world into friends and foes, into those who either support or do not support this particular side. Neutral forces, conciliatory-minded, are perceived as allies of the opposite side.”

Thus, the motto “he who is not with us is against us” comes into play. And its use always intensifies the struggle. It is no coincidence that it is most often used when the development of a conflict reaches its peak. After the image of the enemy is created, the logic and psychology of the fight against him become extremely clear and precise: “if the enemy does not surrender, he is destroyed.”

But creating an image of an enemy (both real and imagined) is an effective means not only at the highest stage of conflict development - escalation. This remedy is often adopted at earlier stages, when it becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. In this case, it is used to process public opinion, in order to show and explain who is “bad” and who is “good.” After this, it is much easier to unleash a full-scale conflict, which is especially important if we are talking about violence and military operations.

Demonstration of force and threat of its use

One of the parties or both opponents of the conflict, in order to intimidate the enemy, constantly try to show that the power and resources of one side are superior to the other side. At the same time, everyone hopes that this position will lead to the enemy’s capitulation. However, as a rule, “saber rattling” leads to the enemy mobilizing its own resources, which leads to further escalation of the conflict. Psychologically, a demonstration of force or the threat of use is associated with increased emotional tension, hostility and hatred towards the enemy.

Often this technique is implemented through the announcement of various kinds of ultimatums to the other side, both in intragroup and intergroup conflict. In international conflict, ultimatums are also used - demands of one state on another, accompanied by the threat of severing diplomatic relations or the use of armed force in case of non-compliance.

It is clear that only the side that is in some respect stronger than the other can resort to an ultimatum. Therefore, usually the announcement of an ultimatum is the lot of the strong. Although we are not always talking about physical or even material strength. Declaring a hunger strike in protest against the lack of rights of the authorities or the administration of the enterprise is also an ultimatum. And in this case, both the authorities and the administration often make concessions in the face of the threat of a person’s death and in the face of the threat of revealing their own cruelty and inhumanity.

The natural reaction to a demonstration of force and the threat of its use is an attempt to defend itself. But, as you know, the best way to defend is to attack. And this is true if the power and resources of the threatening enemy do not greatly exceed, or do not at all exceed, the power of the one being threatened. Therefore, the threat of force most often provokes violence and further escalation of the conflict.

Use of violence

Another significant characteristic of the stage of conflict escalation is violence, which is the most severe way of subjugating some by others. This is the latest argument in the dispute and its use indicates that the limiting stage in the escalation of the conflict, the highest phase of its development, has arrived.

This is not just about physical violence. This refers to its most varied types: economic, political, moral, psychological, etc. If a boss, in response to fair criticism, forces a subordinate to resign “of his own free will,” this is also violence. If debauchery, murder, and cruelty are promoted in the media day after day, this is also violence against a person, over his spiritual world, this is spiritual violence, which, however, is no less odious than physical, although more veiled.

And related to this is another point in the concept of violence. It can not only be obvious and direct, manifested in an open form - murder, causing physical or material damage, theft of property, etc. Violence can appear in a disguised form when certain conditions are created that limit people's rights or create obstacles to the assertion of their legitimate interests. This form is called structural violence. Failure to pay salaries on time, the inability to go on vacation at least once a year, the inability to publish a critical note against a government official in a central newspaper are all examples of structural violence.

Violence, as the highest stage of conflict escalation, manifests itself not only in various forms, but also in types. It can cover a variety of spheres of human activity (economic, political, everyday, etc.) and levels of organization of the social system (individual, group, community, society).

In this regard, we note that one of the most common types of violence today is domestic (family) violence.

Tendency to expand and deepen conflict

This is another stage in the escalation of the conflict. Conflict does not exist within a constant framework and in one state. Having started in one place, it begins to “spread”, covering new areas, territories, social levels and even countries. Having arisen, for example, as a purely industrial business conflict between two members of an organization, it can subsequently cover the socio-psychological and ideological sphere, move from the interpersonal level to the intergroup level, etc.

The First World War, which began as a war between two coalitions of powers (the German-Austrian bloc and the Entente), escalated into a war in which 38 states were involved. World War II involved 72 states, although it also began as a war between two coalitions of powers uniting only a few countries.

Ending the conflict

The end of a conflict is the cessation of the actions of all warring parties, regardless of the reasons why this happened. All conflicts are changeable and different from each other, so there is no single system for ending them.

The conflict may be:

1. Exhausted and resolved by reconciliation of the parties.

2. Terminated due to the withdrawal of one of the parties from it, or its destruction.

3. The development of the conflict can be stopped, or the conflict can be terminated as a result of the intervention of a third party.

The ways to end a conflict can also be very diverse. The most typical ones are the following:

1) elimination (destruction) of the opponent or both opponents of the confrontation;

2) elimination (destruction) of the object of the conflict;

3) change in the positions of both or one of the parties to the conflict;

4) participation in the conflict of a new force capable of ending it through coercion;

5) the appeal of the subjects of the conflict to the arbitrator and its completion through the mediation of an arbitrator;

6) negotiations as one of the most effective and common ways to resolve conflict.

By its nature, the end of the conflict can be:

1) from the point of view of realizing the goals of confrontation:

* victorious,

* compromise,

* defeatist;

2) from the point of view of the form of conflict resolution:

· peaceful,

· violent;

3) from the point of view of the functions of the conflict:

* constructive,

* destructive;

4) from the point of view of efficiency and completeness of resolution:

* completely and radically completed,

* postponed for some (or indefinite) time.

Forms of ending the conflict can be:

* attenuation (fading) of the conflict,

* eliminating conflict,

* escalation of a conflict into another conflict.

It should be noted that the concepts of completion and resolution of conflict are not identical. Conflict resolution or other positive action of the participants that ends the confrontation by peaceful or forceful methods.

In general, this situation is characterized by the following events:

1. There are trends towards normalization of the conflict and its elimination (victory of one of the parties, depletion of resources, etc.).

2. There are occasional outbreaks of confrontation. Aggressive moods are fueled by memories of the troubles and evil caused to each other.

3. The solution to the subject problem gradually matures. The emotional-volitional sphere of interaction is normalized.

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1. Psigns and types of conflict escalation

Conflict escalation (from the Latin Scala - “ladder”) is understood as the development of a conflict that progresses over time, the escalation of confrontation, in which the subsequent destructive effects of opponents on each other are more intense than the previous ones. The escalation of a conflict represents that part of it that begins with an incident and ends with a weakening of the struggle, the transition to the end of the conflict.

The escalation of the conflict is characterized by the following signs:

1. Narrowing of the cognitive sphere in behavior and activity. In the process of escalation there is a transition to more primitive forms of display.

2. Displacement of adequate perception of another by the image of the enemy. The image of the enemy as a holistic idea of the opponent, which integrates distorted and illusory features, begins to form during the latent period of the conflict as a result of perception determined by negative assessments. As long as there is no counteraction, as long as the threat is not implemented, the image of the enemy is indirect. It can be compared to weakly developed photographs, where the image is fuzzy and pale. In the process of escalation, the image of the enemy appears more and more clearly and gradually displaces the objective image. About the image of the enemy who dominates the conflict situation, indicating mistrust; placing blame on the enemy; negative expectation; identification with evil; the “zero-sum” view (“whatever benefits the enemy harms us,” and vice versa); deindividuation (“anyone who belongs to a given group is automatically our enemy”); refusal of condolences.

The consolidation of the image of the enemy is facilitated by: the growth of negative emotions; expectations of destructive actions from the other side; negative stereotypes and attitudes; the seriousness of the object of the conflict for the person (group); the duration of the conflict.

3. Increase in emotional stress. Arises as a reaction to an increase in the threat of possible damage; decreased controllability of the opposite side; inability to realize your interests to the desired extent in a short time; opponent's resistance.

4. Transition from arguments to claims and personal attacks. When people's opinions collide, people usually try to argue for them. Others, assessing a person’s position, thereby indirectly assess her ability to argue. A person usually adds significant personal coloring to the fruits of his intellect. Therefore, criticism of the results of his intellectual activity can be perceived as a negative assessment of him as a person. In this case, criticism is perceived as a threat to the person’s self-esteem, and attempts to protect oneself lead to a shift in the subject of the conflict to the personal plane.

5. The growth of the hierarchical rank of interests that are violated and protected, and their polarization. More intense action affects the other party's more important interests. Therefore, the escalation of the conflict can be considered as a process of deepening contradictions, i.e. as a process of growth of the hierarchical rank of interests, are violated. In the process of escalation, the interests of opponents seem to be drawn into opposite poles. If in a pre-conflict situation they could somehow coexist, then after the escalation of the conflict, the existence of some is possible only by ignoring the interests of the other side.

6. Use of violence. A characteristic sign of conflict escalation is the use of the last argument - violence. Many violent acts are motivated by revenge. Aggression is associated with the desire for some kind of internal compensation (for lost prestige, decreased self-esteem, etc.), compensation for damage. Actions in conflict may be driven by a desire for retribution for damage.

7. The loss of the original subject of disagreement lies in the fact that the confrontation that began through the disputed object develops into a more global clash, during which the original subject of the conflict no longer plays a major role. The conflict becomes independent of the reasons that caused it, and continues after they have become insignificant.

8. Expanding the boundaries of the conflict. The conflict is generalized, i.e. transition to deeper contradictions, the emergence of many different points of contact. The conflict is spreading over a large area. There is an expansion of its temporal and spatial boundaries.

9. Increasing the number of participants. This can occur in the process of escalating the conflict through the involvement of more and more participants. The transformation of interpersonal conflict into intergroup conflict, a quantitative increase and change in the structure of groups participating in the confrontation, changes the nature of the conflict, expanding the range of means used in it.

As the conflict intensifies, regression of the conscious sphere of the psyche occurs. This process is wave-like in nature, based on the unconscious and subconscious levels of mental activity. It does not develop chaotically, but gradually, according to the ontogenesis of the psyche, but in the opposite direction).

The first two stages reflect the development of the pre-conflict situation. The importance of one’s own desires and arguments grows. There is a fear that the ground for a joint solution to the problem will be lost. Mental tension is growing. Measures taken by one of the parties to change the opponent’s position are understood by the opposite party as a signal for escalation. The third stage is the actual beginning of escalation. All expectations are focused on actions, replacing futile discussions. However, the expectations of the participants are paradoxical: both sides hope to use force and rigidity to force a change in the opponent’s position, while no one is ready to voluntarily give in. A mature view of reality is sacrificed in favor of a simplistic approach that is easier to sustain emotionally. The real issues of the conflict lose importance while the face of the enemy becomes the center of attention.

Age levels of emotional and social-cognitive functioning of the human psyche (1 - beginning of the latent phase, 2 - latent phase, 3 - demonstrative phase, 4 - aggressive phase, 5 - battle phase)

At the fourth stage of functioning, the psyche regresses to approximately the level corresponding to the age of 6-8 years. A person still has an image of another, but he is no longer ready to reckon with the thoughts, feelings and state of this other. In the emotional sphere, a black and white approach begins to dominate, that is, everything that is “not me” or “not us” is bad, and therefore rejected.

At the fifth stage of escalation, clear signs of progressive regression appear in the form of an absolutization of a negative assessment of the opponent and a positive assessment of oneself. Sacred values, beliefs and the highest moral obligations are at stake. Force and violence take on an impersonal form, the perception of the opposite side freezes in the solid image of the enemy. The enemy is devalued to the status of a thing and deprived of human traits. However, these same people are able to function normally within their group. Therefore, it is difficult for an inexperienced observer to perceive the deeply regressed perceptions of others and to take measures to resolve the conflict.

Regression is not inevitable for any person in any difficult situation of social interaction. A lot depends on upbringing, on the assimilation of moral norms and everything that is called the social experience of constructive interaction.

The external plan of conflict escalation can be described using the theory of symmetric schismogenesis (G. Bateson). Schismogenesis is a change in individual behavior that occurs as a result of the accumulation of experience of interaction between individuals. There are 2 variants of schismogenesis:

1. additional interaction is built on the principle of complementary actions (perseverance of the first opponent, compliance of the second or offensive actions and defense);

2. symmetrical schismogenesis develops when subjects use the same behavioral models (the second responds to the action of the first opponent with an action of the same direction, but more intense).

The escalation of the conflict occurs precisely according to option 2.

During this stage, transformations occur, which conflictologists also call signs of conflict escalation. Narrowing of the cognitive sphere in behavior and activity (distortion of a conflict situation). As the conflict escalates, regression of the conscious part of the psyche occurs.

2. Piramid of negative conflict escalation

Rice. 1. Pyramid of negative conflict escalation and stages of constructive resolution.

To resolve the conflict, it is necessary to go back through the pyramid, which can end either with interests (the first option), or with worldviews and root problems (the second option, the most complete and effective).

The first option consists of seven stages:

1. Stop hostile actions towards yourself or others.

2. Regulate the emotional tone of communication with yourself or others.

3. Regulate relationships with yourself or others.

4. Agree on the principles and rules for the use of certain means by which positions are translated into practice.

5. Consider many possible positions at once, i.e. move from individual items to choosing from a wide range of design options.

6. Recognize the interests of others and become aware of your own interests. Share interests, positions and means of achieving them. Identify identified interests and recognize those that are legitimate and justified.

7. Jointly find options and methods of action that would simultaneously meet your interests and the interests of your opponent.

The second option includes three more steps:

A critical analysis of secondary beliefs is carried out - one's own and other people's.

A critical analysis of the primary beliefs of one's own and other people is carried out.

The root real (objective) and subjective problems are identified and ways to solve them are developed.

Leaving a conflict unattended is like leaving smoldering coals in an empty house: a fire, of course, may not happen, but if it does... escalation, negative spiral conflict

In general, the analogy between a conflict and a fire is deeper: 1) both are easier to prevent than to extinguish; 2) in both cases, the time factor can become decisive, because both conflict and fire are terrible in their growth. These same two signs are related to conflict and illness.

Escalation can also be explained by the fact that a participant in the conflict seeks support from others and recruits supporters. They especially try to attract the leader to their side.

As the conflict grows (escalates), things get complicated. The original conflict acquires new ones, reflecting the interests of the new participants and the contradictions between them. At the same time, emotions grow like a snowball.

All this convinces us that, having received information about the conflict, the leader must act and take measures without waiting for the conflict to escalate.

Moreover, inaction, a position of non-interference, is regarded in the team as indifference, or even cowardice. Both do not contribute to the authority of the leader.

3. WITHspiral model of conflict escalation

Rubin and co-authors note that if in a conflict situation the actions of the defending party do not cause an escalation in the behavior of the aggressor, then we have an aggressive-defensive model of conflict. However, if the defender's actions cause the aggressor's behavior to escalate, the aggressor-defender sequence becomes an episode of a larger conflict spiral.

The spiral model of conflict escalation demonstrates that escalation is the result of actions and reactions that form a vicious circle. Offensive tactics used by the first party cause similar behavior by the other party. This response, in turn, again provokes the first party to new actions, which closes the circle and takes the conflict to a new stage. Each side has a growing list of the other side's sins, and each new discontent increases the feeling of crisis. Each of us reacts to provocation at its own level, and the spiral of conflict continues to grow.

Strong escalation is preceded by two circumstances: a high degree of perceived divergence of interests and low stability. Thus, the stronger the subjective perception of divergence of interests, the greater the severity of tactics to counter the opponent seems acceptable. In addition, sources of stability can be identified:

The presence of ties of belonging to the same group, friendship or mutual dependence between the parties to the interaction (options: common group membership or a situation of mutual dependence);

The existence of a third party that is ready to intervene as a mediator, peacemaker;

Lack of excitement or tension in previous communication;

Involvement in activities that are outside the boundaries of a given system of relationships;

Fear on one or both sides of escalation.

Reasons for stopping escalation:

One of the sides managed to gain the upper hand in the confrontation;

The first side can take advantage of a one-sided advantage over the second and end the conflict in its favor;

One of the parties, for some reason, during the conflict decides to voluntarily concede, no longer considering continued escalation an acceptable option for itself;

One of the parties, for some reason, during a conflict decides to withdraw from it and begin to use an avoidance strategy, no longer considering continued escalation an acceptable option for itself;

There is a dead point in the confrontation.

The stage of the balance of power or the dead point (deadlock) of the conflict.

Some authors (A.G. Zdravomyslov, S.V. Sokolov) identify the stage of impasse: equilibrium caused by the ineffectiveness of the steps taken and the awareness of a Pyrrhic victory, paralysis of actions, search for new approaches and change of leaders, reassessment of one’s own interests, fading of confrontation, truce, beginning negotiations A dead point is a stop in the process of collision and resistance to collision. Reasons for the emergence of a dead point in the conflict:

Failure of confrontation tactics;

Depletion of necessary resources (energy, money, time);

Loss of social support;

Unacceptable costs.

Initially, at this stage, nothing happens objectively, but at the same time the attitude of one of the parties to what is happening changes. After some time, both sides come to the unfortunate conclusion that dominance is impossible, but, nevertheless, there is no desire yet to give up victory by withdrawing themselves, or to concede. But the most important consequence of the onset of this stage is the understanding of at least one of the parties that the enemy is an independent partner with whom one will have to negotiate, and not just an enemy. And you will have to negotiate and interact with this partner, which becomes the first step towards the negotiation process, towards a way out of the conflict.

And in conclusion, let’s talk about the limitations that the dynamic model of describing conflict has. The most important problem with phase theories of conflict is that they may appear too simple; phase analysis may exaggerate the role of logical step-by-step sequencing in the development of conflict. According to A. Rapoport, it is impossible to fit all conflicts under a single universal scheme. There are conflicts such as fights, when opponents are divided by irreconcilable differences and they only count on victory; there are conflicts such as debates, where a dispute is possible, maneuvers are possible, but in principle both sides can count on a compromise; there are conflicts like games where the parties operate within the same rules, so they never end.

Thus, we can state the fact that this scheme provides an ideal model for the development of conflict interaction, while reality provides us with many examples of phase shifts, circulation, a shortened course of struggle, attenuation and a new renewal of confrontation, etc.

Zconclusion

So, conflict is a phenomenon with a complex structure and dynamics, and therefore tactics for resolving it should differ depending on the stage, period and their duration.

Escalation (from Latin scala - ladder) is a sharp intensification of the opponents' struggle.

Conflict escalation is the development of a conflict progressing over time, an aggravation of confrontation, in which the subsequent destructive effects of opponents on each other are higher in intensity than the previous ones.

Conflict escalation is the second phase of conflict development, when open conflict interaction begins, the conflict develops over time, and confrontation intensifies, in which the subsequent destructive effects of opponents on each other are higher in intensity than the previous ones.

Escalation can be continuous with an ever-increasing degree of tension in relations and the strength of blows exchanged between conflictants; and wave-like, when the tension in relations either intensifies or subsides, periods of active confrontation are replaced by calm, temporary improvements in relations.

Escalation can also be steep, quickly rising to extremes of hostility; and sluggish, slowly flaring up, or even remaining at the same level for a long time. In the latter case, we can talk about a chronic, protracted conflict.

WITHsqueaksources used

1. Antsupov A.Ya., Shipilov A.I. Conflictology. Textbook for universities. -- 2nd ed., revised. and additional - M.: UNITY-DANA, 2004. - 591 p.

2. Vishnevskaya A.V. Conflictology. Lecture course. - M.: UNITY, 2003. - 124 p.

3. Mirimanova M.S. Conflictology. - M.: Academy, 2003. - 320 p.

4. Rubin J., Pruit D., Kim Hye Sung. Social conflict: escalation, deadlock, resolution. - St. Petersburg: Prime-Eurosign, 2001. - 352 p.

5. Sheinov V.P. Conflicts in our lives and their resolution. - Minsk: Amalthea, 1997. - 277 p.

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Signs of escalation

Narrowing of the cognitive sphere in behavior and activity. Below we will look in more detail at the psychological mechanism of escalation. Now let us note that during the escalation there is a transition to more primitive forms of reflection.

Repression of adequate perception of another by the image of the enemy. The image of the enemy as a holistic idea of the opponent, integrating distorted and illusory features, begins to form during the latent period of the conflict as a result of perception determined by negative assessments. As long as there is no counteraction, as long as the threats are not implemented, the image of the enemy is focal in nature. It can be compared to a weakly developed photograph, where the image is fuzzy and pale. During the escalation, the image of the enemy appears more and more expressively and gradually displaces the objective image. That the image of the enemy becomes dominant in the information model of a conflict situation, as evidenced by:
- distrust (everything that comes from the enemy is either bad or, if reasonable, pursues dishonest goals); placing blame on the enemy (the enemy is responsible for all problems that arise and is to blame for everything);
- negative expectation (everything the enemy does, he does with the sole purpose of harming us); identification with evil (the enemy embodies the opposite of what I am and what I strive for, he wants to destroy what I value and therefore must be destroyed himself);
- the concept of “zero sum” (everything that benefits the enemy harms us, and vice versa);
- deindividuation (anyone who belongs to a given group is automatically our enemy); refusal of sympathy (we have nothing in common with our enemy, no information can induce us to show humane feelings towards him, being guided by ethical criteria in relation to the enemy is dangerous and unwise). The consolidation of the image of the enemy is facilitated by: an increase in negative emotions; anticipation of destructive actions of the other side; negative stereotypes and attitudes; the significance of the object of conflict for the individual (group); duration of the conflict.

Increased emotional tension. Arises as a reaction to an increase in the threat of possible damage; decreased controllability of the opposite side; inability to realize your interests to the desired extent in a short time; opponent's resistance.

Moving from arguments to claims and personal attacks. When people's opinions collide, they usually try to justify them. People around them, assessing a person’s position, indirectly evaluate his ability to argue. A person usually attaches a significant personal touch to the fruits of his intellect. Therefore, criticism of the results of his intellectual activity can be perceived as a negative assessment of him as a person. In this case, criticism is perceived as a threat to an individual’s self-esteem, and attempts to protect oneself lead to a shift in the subject of the conflict to the personal plane.

The growth of the hierarchical rank of violated and protected interests and their polarization. More intense action affects the other party's more important interests. Therefore, the escalation of a conflict can be considered as a process of deepening contradictions, that is, as a process of growth in the hierarchical rank of learned interests. During escalation, the interests of opponents seem to be drawn into opposite poles. If in a pre-conflict situation they could somehow coexist, then when the conflict escalates, the existence of some is possible only by ignoring the interests of the other side.

Use of violence. A distinctive sign of conflict escalation is the introduction of the last argument into the “battle” - violence.

According to S. Kudryavtsev, many violent actions are caused by revenge. Research on aggression shows that it is largely associated with some kind of internal compensation (lost prestige, decreased self-esteem, etc.), compensation for damage. Actions in conflict can be caused by the desire for retribution for damage caused to the “I”.

Physical violence and aggression in general are provoked not only by an already realized threat, but also by a potential threat. Therefore, the intensification of physical violence in a conflict is associated with an increase in the intensity of mutual actions caused by inadequate retribution for the destruction of the “I”.

Losing the original point of contention lies in the fact that the confrontation that began over a disputed object develops into a more global clash, during which the original subject of the conflict no longer plays a major role. The conflict becomes independent of the causes that caused it and continues after they have become insignificant (M. Deutsch).

Expanding the boundaries of the conflict. There is a generalization of the conflict, that is, a transition to deeper contradictions, the emergence of many different points of collision. Conflict Spreads over wider areas. There is an expansion of its temporal and spatial boundaries.

Increase in the number of participants. During the escalation of the conflict, “ enlargement» opposing entities by involving more and more participants. Transformation of interpersonal conflict into intergroup conflict. The numerical increase and change in the structures of rival groups changes the nature of the conflict, expanding the range of means used in it.

The external plan for conflict escalation can be described using the theory of “ symmetrical schismogenesis"(G. Bateson) Schismogenesis is a change in individual behavior that occurs as a result of the accumulation of experience of interaction between individuals. There are two variants of schismogenesis - complementary and symmetrical. Complementary occurs in cases where interaction is built on the basis of complementary actions, for example, the persistence of one subject and the compliance of another. In the course of interaction, increasing persistence of one subject can lead to increasing compliance of the other, and vice versa, and so on until the destruction of the relationship. Symmetrical schismogenesis develops when subjects use the same behavioral patterns. The other responds to the behavior of the subject with behavior of the same direction, but more intense, etc. The result will also be the destruction of relationships.

Although G. Bateson does not directly connect symmetrical schismogenesis with the development of the conflict, it is obvious that the escalation of the struggle occurs precisely according to this principle. From the recognition of the external similarity of the parties and the “symmetry” of the development of interaction, it does not follow that the parties in the process of struggle pursue the same goals. One side may strive to change the existing balance of positions and adhere to an offensive strategy; the other is to try to maintain the status quo and adhere entirely to a defensive strategy. Obviously, more intense offensive actions are more likely to generate intense defensive actions, and vice versa.

Speaking about the internal springs of conflict escalation, it is necessary to turn to the peculiarities of the evolution of the functioning of the psyche in conditions of danger and threat. The theory of evolutionary epistemology (G. Vollmer, K. Lorenz) states that a person who does not have special organs that contribute to survival during attack or defense (fangs, paws, hooves, etc.) survived thanks to brain abilities that allow better adaptation to environmental conditions. The history of brain development stretches over hundreds of millions of years. A longitudinal section of the human brain along the midline reveals the presence of very ancient young parts, the combined activity of which determines the way we perceive the world and also controls human behavior. Archaic mechanisms of aggressive and defensive actions in relation to the source of threat in the form of unique programs are embedded in the deep layers of the diencephalon (it was formed hundreds of millions of years ago). They were necessary to ensure survival in the first, biological phase of evolution.

Since the beginning of human cultural evolution, in contrast to aggressive and defensive actions, an interest in the unknown has developed. The assessment of the unknown as threatening or interesting is a product of the interaction of archaic reactions of the diencephalon and relatively recently acquired reactions of the telencephalon (formed in the last 3-4 million years). If spontaneous fears dominate, then the signals of the diencephalon will subjugate and displace the physiologically weaker processes of the telencephalon. Therefore, empathy, tolerance, compromising behavior and other positive social gains may not be realized due to feelings of insecurity, social pressure, fear and stress of all kinds that arise during a threat.

As the conflict intensifies, regression of the conscious sphere of the psyche occurs. This process is of an avalanche nature, based on the unconscious and subconscious levels of mental activity. It develops not chaotically, but gradually, reproducing the ontogenesis of the psyche, but in the opposite direction (Fig. 19.2).

The first two stages reflect the development of the pre-conflict situation. The importance of one’s own desires and arguments grows. There is a fear that the basis for a joint solution to the problem will be lost. Mental tension is growing. Measures taken by one side to change the opponent's position are understood by the opposite PARTY as a signal for escalation.

The third stage is the actual beginning of escalation. All Hopes focus on action, replacing waterless discussions. However, the expectations of the participants are paradoxical: both sides hope to force a change in the opponent’s position through pressure and firmness, while no one is ready to voluntarily give in. A mature, complex view of reality is sacrificed in favor of a simplified approach that is easier to sustain emotionally. The actual problems of the conflict lose significance, while the personality of the enemy becomes the center of attention.

At the fourth stage, mental functioning regresses to approximately the level corresponding to the age of 6-8 years. A person still has an image of the “other”, but he is no longer ready to take into account the thoughts, feelings and position of this “ another" In the emotional sphere, a black and white approach begins to dominate, i.e., everything that is “not me” or “not us” is bad and therefore rejected.

At the fifth stage of escalation, clear signs of progressive regression appear in the form of absoluteization of the negative assessment of the opponent and the positive assessment of oneself. “Sacred values,” beliefs and the highest moral obligations are at stake. Force and violence take on impersonal forms, the perception of the opposite side freezes in the rigid image of the enemy. The enemy is devalued to the state of a “thing” and is deprived of human traits. However, these same people are able to function normally within their group. This makes it difficult for the inexperienced observer to take into account their deeply regressed perceptions of others when taking steps to resolve conflict.

The regression described above is not inevitable for any person in any difficult situation of social interaction. A lot depends on upbringing, on the assimilation of moral standards and everything that is called the social experience of constructive interaction.