THE CONSEQUENCES OF BELONGING - CONFLICT-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AMONG JAPANESE-AMERICANS

This qualitative research project conducted among Japanese Americans e xamined the relationship of cultural patterns to the problem of elder mistreatment. Grounded theory analysis of 27 transcripts revealed that behaviors in conflict situations are governed heavily by group loyalt y. The consequences of placing the group above oneself include a quiet maneuvering and promoting harmony through accommodation. Current prac tice methods may need to be modified with this population to include t riadic management and treatment of the ''we-self'' or the individual w ithin a group context.