Dealing with Defensiveness in Conflict

This course covers theories from different psychological perspectives on defence mechanisms affecting all people. These theories are then integrated with skills for addressing defensiveness in conflict situations. You will also explore how face-saving affects defensive behaviours. Defensiveness is behaviour for protecting oneself from a perceived threat or attack. In negotiations and mediations it can create major barriers but, when explored, it can open up opportunities for breakthroughs. When people are defending and protecting their self-image (face-saving), listening becomes more difficult and positions become entrenched. Left unaddressed, defensiveness can stalemate the discussion. You will have the option to record your role-play on the final day of the course.