The Emotional Side of Conflict

Human Emotions

You feel frightened and angry at a looming threat. You feel hope and gratitude for the opportunity to resolve a concern. In the moment, you trust your instincts, those internal body sensations giving you a sense of negative or positive feelings. Most people recognize how fear, anger, and distrust contribute to conflict. But many are unaware of the biological science on emotions, both negative and positive influences, contributing to these tensions. The reality is, all conflict starts and ends inside our human brain, driven by emotions.



The Emotional Side of Conflict explains the science of human emotions. Emotions are natural biological processes influencing our focus, memory, behaviors, and thinking. Emotions have a powerful influence impacting us in individual and collective ways. Knowledge on this science gives each of us a chance to improve our ability to solve problems, resolve disputes, and improve relationships.



You can use this valuable understanding in your daily life. Knowing how both positive and negative emotions work can improve your ability to interact with others. This understanding can help you and others make a positive difference within your community by improving civic discourse.