ABSTRACT
There are a number of distinct phases in a confl ict cycle. The cycle begins with substant ive or emotional issues being triggered by an event, which seems to focus atten tion on what are regarded as the under ly ing issues. Tension escal ates to the point where sides are drawn and each side makes judgements on the oppos i tion’s power and goals. Those involved in the situ ation exper i ence fear at the confront a tion accord ing to the risks they are taking with family, income, job, prestige, etc. There is nego ti ation or a series of meet ings where both sides work through their disagree ment. The outcome either will be a resol u tion by comprom ise or the confl ict cycle will start again.
