Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

6-2025

Abstract

The ability to resolve conflict is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and psychological well-being. However, prior research has often overlooked the potential benefits of neuroticism for conflict resolution styles, due to a reliance on self-report measures and the lack of consideration of healthy neuroticism. This study examined the relationship between neuroticism and conflict resolution styles and highlights the pivotal role of conscientiousness and measurement modalities. Employing both self-reports and observer ratings of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI), we analyzed data from young adults (N = 259) using structural equation modeling analysis. Self-reports indicated that neuroticism was associated with unconstructive conflict resolution strategies, whereas observer ratings revealed a positive association with constructive strategies. Conscientiousness moderated these relationships differently across measurement modalities, by buffering the negative aspects of neuroticism in self-reports and enhancing its positive aspects in observer ratings. These findings underscore the importance of measurement modalities and conscientiousness in understanding the benefits of neuroticism for conflict resolution.

Keywords

Conflict resolution style, neuroticism, conscientiousness, self-report, observer ratings, measurement modality

Discipline

Experimental Analysis of Behavior | Personality and Social Contexts

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Journal of Research in Personality

Volume

117

First Page

1

Last Page

12

ISSN

0092-6566

Identifier

10.1016/j.jrp.2025.104625

Publisher

Elsevier

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2025.104625

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