Module Overview
Conflict is an inevitable part of family life. Differences in personality, values, age, upbringing, communication styles, expectations, and emotional triggers can all contribute to misunderstandings or disputes. However, conflict does not have to be destructive. When managed constructively, it can lead to growth, healing, trust-building, and stronger family cohesion.
This module provides a deep and broad exploration of family conflict dynamics and introduces structured, evidence-based strategies for resolving disputes and mediating emotional tension among family members. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the sources and cycles of conflict, learn to identify both overt and covert patterns, and apply mediation and conflict transformation techniques that foster healthy relationships and long-term resolution.
We cover the different types of family conflict, parent-child, spousal, sibling rivalry, intergenerational disputes, co-parenting conflicts, financial disagreements, and conflict during end-of-life care, and how to handle them through empathetic negotiation, cultural sensitivity, assertiveness, and trauma-informed principles.
The module emphasizes nonviolent communication (NVC), restorative dialogue, problem-solving frameworks, and mediation tools that are aligned with international counseling, caregiving, and social work standards. You will be encouraged to build practical toolkits for managing real-world family conflict scenarios.
This module fulfills critical requirements for accreditation in conflict-sensitive caregiving, family systems support, and emotional safety facilitation. Case studies, practice templates, and reflective tasks are embedded to ensure learners develop both insight and applied skills.
Topics Covered
Understanding the Roots of Conflict in Families
Core needs vs. surface issues
Emotional wounds, power struggles, unmet expectations
Cultural, religious, and socioeconomic influences
Common triggers: finances, parenting, caregiving, decision-making
Types of Conflict in the Family System
Spousal and marital conflict
Sibling rivalry and jealousy
Parent-child generational tension
Extended family disputes and in-law issues
Conflicts in blended families and co-parenting arrangements
Communication Styles that Escalate or De-escalate Conflict
Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive styles
The impact of tone, body language, and timing
Listening with intent vs. listening to defend
Conflict Resolution Frameworks
The 6-step model: Define → Explore → Express → Brainstorm → Agree → Follow-up
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) model
The "I Message" technique
Win-win negotiation and compromise-building
Family Mediation Techniques
Roles and ethics of the family mediator
Ground rules for mediation sessions
Dealing with resistance, emotional outbursts, and power imbalances
Restorative justice and reconciliation in families
Crisis Conflict Management
Handling conflicts during illness, death, divorce, or financial collapse
Safety protocols for domestic abuse and high-risk situations
De-escalation techniques under acute stress or trauma
Conflict Resolution in Caregiving Contexts
Mediating between siblings over care responsibilities
Navigating differing opinions about end-of-life decisions
Facilitating open dialogue between elderly parents and adult children
Aftercare: Repair, Forgiveness, and Growth Post-Conflict
Rebuilding trust
Emotional repair rituals and forgiveness conversations
Conflict as a catalyst for deeper connection
Establishing future communication boundaries
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Analyze the underlying causes and types of family conflicts.
Differentiate between harmful and constructive communication styles.
Apply structured conflict resolution models in various family settings.
Facilitate or participate in mediation processes with emotional awareness.
Promote post-conflict healing and restore emotional balance within families.
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