PERCEIVING INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT AND REACTING TO IT - THE CASE FOR AGREEABLENESS

Two converging, multimethod studies probed the hypothesis that individ ual differences in Agreeableness are related to patterns of interperso nal conflict. In Study 1, participants (N = 263) evaluated the efficac y of 11 modes of conflict resolution within the context of 5 different interpersonal relationships. Across all relationships, high- and low- agreeable participants rated negotiation and disengagement tactics as better choices than power assertion tactics. However, low-agreeable pa rticipants rated power assertion as a better choice than did high-agre eable participants. In Study 2, participants (N = 124) were assigned p artners and were asked to resolve jointly 2 social conflict problems. Partners were videotaped, and observers coded behaviors. Participants also completed ratings of perceived conflict, partner perception, and liking of their partner. Agreeableness differences, sex of participant , and type of dyad partner were related to patterns of interpersonal c onflict. Results were discussed in terms of personality and social inf luences during interpersonal conflict.