Predicting interpersonal conflict resolution styles from personality characteristics

This project examined relationships among two dimensions of the “Big Five” personality factor theory (Costa & McCrae, 1992) and the conflict resolution styles of competing, collaborating, accommodating, and avoiding (Thomas & Kilmann, 1974). Some 288 students at Colorado State University participated. The Big Five personality measures of agreeableness (A) and extraversion (E) were significant predictors of all four conflict resolution style scores. These findings show that contemporary personality measures are significant predictors of conflict resolution styles. The findings suggest that personality measures may be helpful predictors of conflict resolution style preference in mediation and negotiation situations.