Negative Consequences of Conflict

Conflict is unavoidable in life, but some types of conflicts are worse than others. While you may do everything possible to minimize conflict, big arguments are still going to pop up now and again. At the very least, these conflicts take time and energy away from valuable tasks; at most, they result in catastrophic repercussions for years to come.

Home

• At home, conflict is usually between family members. If you are living in a crowded or multi-generational household, the potential for arguments grows even more. When parents are in conflict, the negative consequences can filter down to their children. The latter may begin to perform poorly in school, socially withdraw or act out. If the conflict is between siblings, parents too can feel the stress. They may spend an inordinate amount of time trying to prevent or cope with arguments. This can take a toll both on their married and professional lives.

Work

• Another area rife with opportunity for conflict is work. In the midst of a poor economy, conflicts may present themselves even more frequently, with downsizing, restructuring, or even outright firing as common causes. The atmosphere and morale in the workplace can suffer as a result, and productivity along with them. If the conflict is between a particular boss and employee, the reputations of both may be at stake if it is not resolved promptly. Legal issues can even result if the conflict does not go through proper channels, such as a human resources program.

Friends

• Conflict between friends has negative consequences as well. If left unresolved, the friendships can suffer and even disintegrate. Without appropriate emotional outlets and support systems, individuals may find themselves falling victim to depression and weakened immune systems. This can lead to long-term health consequences, including chronic conditions. If your friends are also part of your professional network, job or business opportunities can also be lost due to conflicts in your friendships. For these reasons and more, it's advisable to clear up disagreements with peers as soon as possible.

International

• On a global scale, conflict can result in political tension, and even wars between nations. Millions of lives can be lost, and individuals left without their homes and livelihoods if their country is war-torn. Emerging technologies and discoveries may be lost to some countries due to these conflicts, leaving them ill-equipped to compete in the global marketplace.