Generalization of Conflict and Conflict Tolerance

Abstract

The construct of ‘conflict tolerance’ is interpreted as a special case of the generalization of conflict, such that previous conflict experiences are viewed as exerting an effect on response to present conflicts. The principal concern here was to determine the roles of previous weak, strong and varied conflict training on performance in subsequent similar strong and weak conflict situations. In two experiments, the major findings were as follows. (1) Speed of decision in both weak and strong conflict situations was facilitated most effectively by prior training in weak conflict and least by prior strong conflict training. (2) The effect of training in varied strong and weak conflict on performance in subsequent weak conflict was midway in rank between that of the consistently strong and weak conflict training groups. The significance of the findings for the concept of conflict tolerance was discussed.