Styles of interpersonal conflict in patients with panic disorder, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls: A cluster analysis study

Objective: Conflict and conflict resolution in intimate relationships are n ot only among the most important factors influencing relationship satisfact ion but are also seen in association with clinical symptoms. Styles of conf lict will be assessed in patients suffering from panic disorder with and wi thout agoraphobia, in alcoholics and in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: 176 patients and healthy controls filled out the Styles of Conflict Inventory and questionnaires concerning severity of clinical s ymptoms. Results: A cluster analysis revealed 5 types of conflict managemen t. Healthy controls showed predominantely assertive and constructive styles , patients with panic disorder showed high levels of cognitive and/or behav ioral aggression. Alcoholics showed high levels of repressed aggression, an d patients with rheumatoid arthritis often did not exhibit any aggression d uring conflict. Conclusions: 5 Clusters of conflict pattern have been ident ified by cluster analysis. Each patient group showed considerable different patterns of conflict management.