Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Cheryl Duckworth

Second Advisor

Judith McKay

Third Advisor

Urszula Strawinska-Zanko

Keywords

academia, allocentric behavior, brief survey, collectivism, community settings, conflict management, conflict resolution, cultural orientations, divorce, educational settings, faith, individualism, individualism & collectivism, intercultural relationships, marital conflict, marriage, Medium-Q, multicultural marriages, open-ended interviews, personality, professional settings, qualitative research, reflexive thematic analysis, relational conflict, relationship partners, self-constructs, thematic analysis, United States

Abstract

In the United States, the increasing number of multicultural marriages leads to the individualistic traditional American nuclear family colliding with ideals from a collective culture. This conflict over individualistic and collective nature can lead to martial conflict, including divorce. In this context, this study seeks to answer an important question: How do relationship partners experience managing conflict, considering individualist and collectivist perspectives in the United States? The methodology utilized the Medium-Q of Reflexive Thematic Analysis of data gathered from qualitative open-ended interview questions and a brief survey. Findings reveal engaging themes, leading us to understand that individualism and collectivism influence how relational conflicts are managed. For instance, The Self as a Cultural Agent Affecting Conflict and Its Management indicates that individuals who uphold individualist or collectivist views channel idiocentric or allocentric behaviors through self-constructs, shaping how conflict is managed in their relationships. The implications extend beyond academia and can be utilized to manage relational conflict in professional, educational, and community settings. Harnessing these cultural orientations can lead to more effective and personalized conflict management. In conclusion, this dissertation highlights the importance of developing strategies that promote an informed and inclusive approach to relational conflict management. Moving forward, this research lays the groundwork for building a more informed and harmonious community in an increasingly intercultural world.

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