Hands holding a community

Do you crave peace in your relationships and community, but find yourself hesitant to step into conflict situations?

Maybe your gut tells you to steer clear, to avoid the drama and negativity. While this instinct is understandable, what if I told you that true peacemaking requires embracing conflict, not running from it?

This unit will challenge your assumptions and equip you with powerful tools to navigate the often messy terrain of human disagreement. We’ll embark on a journey that uncovers the psychological underpinnings of conflict, exploring how our perceptions, biases, and even internal struggles shape our experiences.

Here’s a glimpse at what you’ll discover:

  • Embracing Aversion: Learn why a healthy dose of tolerance for conflict is crucial for effective peacemaking. We’ll explore the “principle of imperfection” and discover how accepting flaws, both our own and others’, paves the way for genuine resolution.
  • Unlocking Inner Wisdom: Dive into the “under every roof” and “reframe” techniques, tools that will help you shift your perspective from blame and judgment to understanding and empathy. You’ll see how these tools can transform even the most challenging situations.
  • Mind Games: Delve into the fascinating world of cognitive psychology, unraveling the mysteries of Attribution Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory. You’ll learn how our brains interpret conflict and discover how biases like selective perception and remembering can distort our reality.
  • Discovering “Nested Selves”: Step inside the concept of nested selves, a framework that reveals the diverse layers of our identity and their influence on our conflict responses. This understanding will empower you to remain grounded and objective when mediating between others.
  • The Peacemaker’s Compass: Equip yourself with general principles for maintaining objectivity in the midst of conflict. This invaluable guidance will help you navigate complex situations with clarity and composure.

This unit is more than just information; it’s an invitation to transform your relationship with conflict. By understanding the inner workings of both our own minds and those of others, we can approach disagreements with compassion, wisdom, and ultimately, success.

So, are you ready to embrace the power of peacemaking? Dive into the lesson videos and unlock the secrets of resolving conflict with grace and effectiveness. Remember, the path to peace is paved with understanding, and this unit is your guide every step of the way.

Let’s begin!

Learning Objectives

  1. Be able to explain why peacemakers need to desensitize their aversion to conflict and the problems of others. 
  2. Be able to state and understand the principle of imperfection,
  3. Be able to state and explain the under every roof and reframe techniques,
  4. Explain how interpersonal perceptions impact one’s views of reality in a conflict,
  5. Provide a basic explanation of Attribution Theory,
  6. Provide a basic explanation of Cognitive Dissonance Theory,
  7. Explain the role of selective perception and selective remembering as well as its role in our view of a conflict,
  8. Be able to explain the concept of “nested selves.”
  9. Be able to cite general principles that help peacemakers remain objective when deciding to help resolve a conflict.