Glossary / Lexicon

Escalation

Escalation refers to an increase in the intensity of a conflict.  When a conflict escalates, the people involved (disputants) move from gently opposing positions to more forceful, confrontational tactics.

The number of parties involved may increase, and the number of issues under discussion may grow. Also, when a dispute escalates, the parties may want more than just to win-they may also want to hurt their opponent. Conflict can escalate quickly but may take much longer to calm down, or de-escalate.

Other /More definition:
Escalation is an increase in the intensity of a conflict. When a conflict escalates, the people involved/disputants move from gently opposing positions to more forceful, confrontational tactics. The number of parties involved may increase, and the number of issues under discussion may grow. Also, when a dispute escalates, the parties may want more than just to win-they may also want to hurt their opponent. Conflict can escalate quickly but may take much longer to calm down, or de-escalate.

Related Articles

Dispute at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Dispute refers to the arguments , disagreements and fights that take place between people who are experiencing . . . Read More
Negotiation at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Negotiation is defined as a form of communication between opposing sides in a conflict in which offers . . . Read More
De-escalation at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
De-escalation means toning down the intensity of the conflict or dispute so that a solution becomes more . . . Read More
Mediation at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Mediation is defined as an attempt by a neutral third party to resolve a conflict by facilitating communication . . . Read More
Compromise at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Compromise refers to the settlement of a dispute by mutual concession. A compromise often results in . . . Read More
Discussion at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Discussion refers to a section of a technical paper in which the author draws theoretical conclusions . . . Read More
Mirror-image perceptions at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Mirror-image perceptions refer to the reciprocal views of one another often held by parties in conflict; . . . Read More
Dialogue at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Dialogue refers to an open, honest discussion between or among the parties in a dispute. - In a dialogue, . . . Read More
Bargaining at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Bargaining is defined as seeking of an agreement through direct negotiation between parties to a conflict. . . . Read More
Third-party intervention at psychology-glossary.com■■■
Third-party intervention it is when a neutral party is asked to help resolve a conflict; - - Third-party . . . Read More