Internal conflict. Internal conflicts

Intrapersonal conflict- This is a difficult to resolve contradiction that occurs within the individual. An intrapersonal psychological conflict is experienced by an individual as a serious problem of psychological content, which requires an early resolution. This kind of confrontation can simultaneously accelerate the process of self-development, forcing the individual to mobilize his own potential, and harm the individual, slowing down the process of self-knowledge and driving self-affirmation into a dead end. Intrapersonal conflict arises in conditions when interests, inclinations, needs of equal importance and opposite in direction collide with each other in the human mind.

The concept of intrapersonal conflict

The internal confrontation of the personality is called the confrontation that arises inside the psyche of the personality, which is a clash of contradictory, often oppositely directed motives.

This type of confrontation has a number of specific features. Features of intrapersonal conflict:

• unusual structure of the conflict (intrapersonal confrontation does not have subjects of interaction represented by individuals or groups of people);
• latency, which consists in the difficulty of identifying internal contradiction, since often the individual does not realize that he is in a state of confrontation, he can also hide his own state under a mask or active activity;
• specificity of forms of manifestation and course, since internal confrontation occurs in the form of complex experiences and is accompanied by: depressive states, stress.

The problem of intrapersonal conflict has been most actively developed in Western psychological science. Its scientific basis is inextricably linked with the founder of psychoanalytic theory, S. Freud.

All approaches and concepts of intrapersonal conflict are determined by the specific understanding of the content and essence of personality. Therefore, starting from the understandings of personality that have developed in different psychological schools, we can identify several main approaches to the consideration of internal confrontation.

Freud provided evidence of the biopsychological and biosocial content of intrapersonal confrontation. At its core, the human psyche is contradictory. Her work is associated with constant tension and overcoming the conflict that arises between biological desires and sociocultural foundations, between unconscious contents and consciousness. It is precisely in contradiction and constant confrontation that the whole essence of intrapersonal confrontation lies, according to Freud’s concept.

The described concept was further developed in the works of its adherents: K. Jung and K. Horney.

German psychologist K. Lewin put forward his own concept of intrapersonal conflict called “field theory,” according to which the inner world of an individual simultaneously falls under the influence of polarly directed forces. A person has to choose from them. Both such forces can be positive or negative, and one of them can be negative and the other positive. K. Levin considered the main conditions for the emergence of conflict to be parity and equal importance of such forces for the individual.

K. Rogers believed that the emergence of internal conflict is due to the discrepancy between the subject’s self-image and his understanding of the ideal “I”. He was convinced that such a discrepancy could provoke serious mental disorders.

The concept of intrapersonal confrontation, developed by A. Maslow, is very popular. He argued that the structure is based on a hierarchy of needs, the highest of which is the need for. Hence, the main reason for the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts lies in the gap between the desire for self-realization and the achieved result.

Among the Soviet psychologists who made a significant contribution to the development of theories of confrontation, one can highlight the concepts of intrapersonal conflict by A. Luria, V. Merlin, F. Vasilyuk and A. Leontiev.

Luria considered intrapersonal confrontation as a collision of two oppositely directed, but equal in strength, tendencies. V. Merlin - as a consequence of dissatisfaction with deep, actual personal motives and relationships. F. Vasilyuk - as a confrontation between two internal motives, reflected in the consciousness of an individual’s personality as independent opposing values.

The problem of intrapersonal conflict was considered by Leontyev as a completely normal phenomenon. He believed that internal confrontation is inherent in the personality structure. Every personality is contradictory in its structure. Often, the resolution of such contradictions occurs in the simplest variations and does not lead to the emergence of an intrapersonal conflict. Sometimes conflict resolution goes beyond the simplest forms, becoming the main thing. The consequence of this is intrapersonal confrontation. He believed that internal conflict is the result of a struggle between individual motivational courses ranked in the hierarchy.

A. Adler considered the basis for the emergence of internal conflicts to be an “inferiority complex” that arises in childhood under the pressure of an unfavorable social environment. In addition, Adler also identified the main methods for resolving internal confrontation.

E. Fromm, explaining intrapersonal confrontation, proposed the theory of “existential dichotomy.” His concept stated that the causes of internal conflicts lie in the dichotomous nature of the individual, which is revealed in the problems of existence: the problem of the limitations of human life, life and death, etc.

E. Erikson in his own concept of the stages of psychosocial personality formation, putting forward the idea that each age stage is marked by a favorable or unfavorable overcoming of a crisis event.

With a successful exit, positive personal development occurs, its transition to the next life period with useful prerequisites for its favorable overcoming. If there is an unsuccessful exit from a crisis situation, the individual moves into a new period of his own life with the complexes of the previous stage. Erikson believed that it is practically impossible to go through all stages of development safely, therefore each individual develops the prerequisites for the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation.

Causes of intrapersonal conflict

Intrapersonal psychological conflict has three types of causes that provoke its occurrence:

• internal, that is, reasons hidden in the contradictions of the individual;
• external factors determined by the status of the individual in society;
• external factors determined by the status of the individual in a certain social group.

All of these types of reasons are interrelated, and their differentiation is considered rather arbitrary. So, for example, internal factors that cause confrontation are the result of the interaction of the individual with the group and society, and do not appear out of nowhere.

The internal conditions for the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation are rooted in the opposition of various motives of the individual, in the inconsistency of its internal structure. A person is more susceptible to internal conflicts when his inner world is complex, his feelings of value and the ability to self-analysis are developed.

Intrapersonal conflict arises in the presence of the following contradictions:

• between social norm and need;
• mismatch of needs, motives, interests;
• confrontation of social roles (intrapersonal conflict example: it is necessary to fulfill an urgent order at work and at the same time the child should be taken to training);
• the contradiction of sociocultural values ​​and foundations, for example, it is necessary to combine the duty of defending the Motherland during war and the Christian commandment “thou shalt not kill.”

For a conflict to arise within a person, these contradictions must have a deep meaning for the individual, otherwise he will not attach significance to them. In addition, different aspects of contradictions must be equal in terms of the intensity of their own impact on the individual. Otherwise, an individual will choose the greater and the lesser of two goods—of “two evils.” In this case, internal confrontation will not arise.

External factors that provoke the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation are determined by: personal status in the group, organization and society.

The reasons determined by the position of an individual in a certain group are quite diverse, but they are united by the impossibility of satisfying various important motives and needs that have significance and deep meaning for the individual in a particular situation. From here we can distinguish four variations of situations that provoke the emergence of intrapersonal conflict:

• physical obstacles that prevent the satisfaction of basic needs (intrapersonal conflict example: a prisoner whose cell does not allow free movement);
• the absence of an object that is needed to satisfy a felt need (for example, a person dreams of a cup of coffee in a foreign city, but it’s too early and all the cafeterias are closed);
• biological barriers (individuals with physical defects or mental retardation, in whom the obstacle is nested in the human body itself);
• social circumstances are the main root cause of most intrapersonal conflicts.

At the organizational level, the reasons that provoke the manifestation of intrapersonal conflict can be represented by the following types of contradictions:

• between excessive responsibility and limited rights for its implementation (a person was transferred to a managerial position, functions were expanded, but the rights remained old);
• between poor working conditions and strict job requirements;
• between two incompatible tasks or tasks;
• between the rigidly established scope of the task and the vaguely prescribed mechanism for its implementation;
• between the requirements of the profession, traditions, norms established in the company and individual needs or values;
• between the desire for creative self-realization, self-affirmation, career and the potential for this within the organization;
• confrontation caused by contradictory social roles;
• between the desire for profit and moral values.

External factors due to personal status in society are associated with discrepancies that arise at the level of the social macrosystem and lie in the nature of the social system, the structure of society, and political and economic life.

Types of intrapersonal conflicts

K. Levin proposed a classification of internal confrontation by type. He identified 4 types, namely equivalent (first type), vital (second), ambivalent (third) and frustrating (fourth).

Equivalent type- confrontation arises when the subject needs to perform two or more functions that are significant for him. Here, the usual model for resolving the contradiction is a compromise, that is, a partial substitution.

The vital type of conflict is observed when the subject has to make equally unattractive decisions for him.

Ambivalent type- clash occurs when similar actions and the result are equally seductive and repulsive.

Frustrating type. Features of an intrapersonal conflict of a frustrating type are disapproval by society, discrepancy with accepted norms and foundations, the desired result and, accordingly, the actions necessary to achieve the desired.

In addition to the above systematization, there is a classification, the basis of which is the value-motivational sphere of the individual.

Motivational conflict occurs when two equally positive tendencies, unconscious aspirations, come into conflict. An example of this type of confrontation is “Buridan’s donkey.”

Moral contradiction or normative conflict arises from discrepancies between aspirations and duty, personal attachments and moral attitudes.

The collision of an individual’s desires with reality, which blocks their satisfaction, provokes the emergence of a conflict of unfulfilled desires. For example, it appears when a subject, due to physical imperfection, cannot fulfill his desire.

Role intrapersonal conflict is anxiety caused by the inability to simultaneously “play” several roles. It also occurs as a result of discrepancies in understanding the requirements for the implementation of one role by an individual.

An adaptation conflict is characterized by the presence of two meanings: in a broad sense, it is a contradiction caused by an imbalance between the individual and the surrounding reality; in a narrow sense, it is a collision caused by a violation of the social or professional adaptation process.

The conflict of inadequate self-esteem arises as a result of the discrepancy between personal aspirations and assessment of one’s own potential.

Resolving intrapersonal conflict

According to the beliefs of A. Adler, the development of an individual’s character occurs before the age of five. At this stage, the baby feels the impact of many unfavorable factors that give rise to an inferiority complex. In later life, this complex reveals a significant influence on personality and intrapersonal conflict.

Adler described not only the mechanisms that explain the origin and manifestation of intrapersonal conflict, but also revealed ways to overcome such internal contradictions (compensation for an inferiority complex). He identified two such methods. The first is to develop social feeling and interest. Because ultimately, a developed social sense manifests itself in the professional sphere and adequate interpersonal relationships. An individual may also develop an “underdeveloped” social feeling, which has various negative forms of intrapersonal conflict: alcoholism, crime, etc. The second is to stimulate one’s own potential, achieving superiority over the environment. It can have the following forms of manifestation: adequate compensation (coincidence of the content of social interests with superiority), overcompensation (hypertrophied development of one particular ability) and imaginary compensation (illness, prevailing circumstances or other factors beyond the control of the individual compensate for the inferiority complex).

M. Deutsche, the founder of the motivational approach to interpersonal conflict, identified ways to overcome intrapersonal confrontation, starting from the specifics of their “spheres of reality”, to which he attributed:

• an objective situation of confrontation, which is the foundation of contradiction;
• conflict behavior, which is a way of interaction between subjects of conflict confrontation that arises when realizing a conflict situation.

Ways to overcome internal confrontation can be open or latent.

Open paths require:

• individual decision making;
• cessation of doubts;
• fixation on solving the problem that has arisen.

Latent forms of intrapersonal conflict include:

• simulation, torment, ;
• sublimation (transition of mental energy to other areas of functioning);
• compensation (replenishment of what was lost by acquiring other goals and, accordingly, results);
• escape from reality (fantasizing, daydreaming);
• nomadism (change of professional sphere, place of residence);
• rationalization (self-justification using logical conclusions, targeted selection of arguments);
• idealization (separation from reality, abstraction);
• regression (suppression of desires, recourse to primitive behavioral forms, avoidance of responsibility);
• euphoria (feigned joy, joyful state);
• differentiation (mental separation of thoughts from the author);
• projection (the desire to free oneself from negative qualities by attributing them to another).

Analyzing personality and intrapersonal conflict, understanding the psychological problems of the emergence and overcoming of conflicts is necessary for the further successful development of communication skills, competent resolution of situations of confrontation in interpersonal interaction and group communication.

Consequences of intrapersonal conflicts

It is believed that intrapersonal conflict is an inseparable element in the formation of the individual’s psyche. Therefore, the consequences of internal confrontations can have a positive aspect (that is, be productive) for the individual as well as a negative one (that is, destroy personal structures).

A confrontation is considered positive if it has the maximum development of opposing structures and is characterized by minimal personal costs for its resolution. One of the tools for harmonizing personal development is constructively overcome intrapersonal confrontation. The subject is able to recognize his personality only by resolving internal confrontation and intrapersonal conflicts.

Intrapersonal confrontation can help develop adequate, which, in turn, contributes to personal self-realization and self-knowledge.

Internal conflicts that aggravate splitting of personality, turn into crises, or contribute to the formation of reactions of a neurotic nature are considered destructive or negative.

Acute internal confrontations often lead to the destruction of existing interpersonal interactions at work or family relationships. As a rule, they become causes of increased anxiety, restlessness, and anxiety during communicative interaction. Long-term intrapersonal confrontation hides a threat to the effectiveness of activities.

In addition, intrapersonal confrontations are characterized by a tendency to develop into neurotic conflicts. Anxieties inherent in conflicts can transform into a source of illness if they begin to occupy a central place in the system of personal relationships.

Intrapersonal conflict one of the most complex psychological conflicts that plays out in the inner world of a person. It is difficult to imagine a person who has never experienced an intrapersonal conflict in his life. Moreover, a person constantly has to deal with such conflicts in his life. Constructive intrapersonal conflict is an integral element of the development of his psyche.

Destructive intrapersonal conflict leads to quite serious consequences, from the difficult experiences that cause it, to the extreme form of its resolution -. It should be emphasized that an internal conflict situation is constantly present in each of us and this should not be feared. For a mentally healthy person, an internal conflict situation at the “background” level is a completely natural state. The German philosopher I. believed that a person who always has a calm conscience and is not tormented by doubts cannot be highly moral. The great Slavic philosopher V. Solovyov, in contrast to the Western European rationalism of Descartes - “I think, therefore I exist” - contrasted his thesis, taking into account the peculiarities of the Slavic mentality, - “I am ashamed, therefore I exist.” The problem of intrapersonal conflict is the main one for the main characters of A. Pushkin’s works (Tatiana’s famous letter), the novel “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy (the experiences of Pierre Bezukhov, Count Bolkonsky, Natasha Rostova), characters from the novels of F. Dostoevsky, Y. Kolos, I. Melezh. The problem of the rebellious Slavic soul is central to almost all works of classics of Russian and Belarusian literature.

States of a certain intrapersonal tension and inconsistency of the psyche are not only natural, but also necessary for the development and improvement of the personality itself, which cannot be accomplished without resolving internal contradictions. The presence of contradictions is the basis for conflict. If an intrapersonal conflict situation occurs at a background level, intrapersonal conflict is necessary. Dissatisfaction with oneself, a critical attitude towards oneself force a person to strive for self-improvement, self-realization and self-actualization, thereby a person fills not only his life with meaning, but also improves the surrounding reality.

The problem of intrapersonal conflict most actively developed and developed in Western psychology. Its scientific justification began at the end of the 19th century and is associated with the name of the founder in psychology.

The peculiarities of approaches to the consideration of intrapersonal conflicts are determined by the peculiarities of understanding the essence of personality, which has developed in various psychological schools. Based on this, we can identify a number of main directions for considering intrapersonal conflict.

Z. Freud substantiated the biopsychological, biosocial nature of the intrapersonal conflict. The human psyche is inherently contradictory. Its functioning is associated with constant tension and overcoming the contradiction between the biological drives and desires of a person and socio-cultural norms, between the unconscious and consciousness. According to Sigmund Freud, this contradiction and constant confrontation is the essence of intrapersonal conflict. This theory was further developed in the work of his followers: - regression to a lower level of the psyche, - clash of aspirations for satisfaction and security, the contradiction of "neurotic needs", etc.

Intrapersonal conflict according to Freud:
- Biological drives and desires (Unconscious);
- Socio-cultural norms (Conscious).

A rather original theory of intrapersonal conflict, called “field theory,” was put forward by a German psychologist. According to this theory, the inner world of the individual is simultaneously under the influence of oppositely directed forces. And the subject must make a choice in favor of one of them. These forces can be both negative and positive, or one of them is positive and the other negative.

The main conditions for the emergence of a conflict, according to K. Levin, are the approximate equality and significance of these forces for the individual.

According to the “Self-concept” theory of personality, the emergence of intrapersonal conflict is caused by a discrepancy between the individual’s self-image (“”) and the idea of ​​the ideal “I.” In his opinion, this mismatch can lead to serious mental disorders, even mental illness.

The theory of intrapersonal conflict developed by is quite popular. Since, in his opinion, the personality structure is formed by a corresponding hierarchy of needs (5-level pyramid of needs), and the highest of them is the need for self-realization, the main reason for the emergence of intrapersonal conflict lies in the gap in most people between the desire for self-actualization and the actually achieved result.

In modern conditions, the theory of intrapersonal conflict, developed by the Austrian psychologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, the creator of the new scientific direction of logotherapy - the science of “the meaning of human existence and the search for this meaning,” enjoys certain popularity. In his opinion, intrapersonal conflict is the result of a disorder in the “spiritual core” of the individual, caused by a spiritual, creative vacuum, and loss of meaning in life. Intrapersonal conflict manifests itself in noogenic (nusogenic) conflicts, which manifest themselves in apathy, boredom, etc.

Among the Russian scientists who have made a significant contribution to the development of the problem of intrapersonal conflict, A. Luria (a collision of two strong but oppositely directed tendencies), V. Merlin (as a result of acute dissatisfaction with deep actual motives and relationships of the individual), F. Vasilyuk (a collision of two internal motivations, reflected in the form of independent opposing values), etc. But, first of all, you should pay attention to the activity approach. According to A. Leontyev, intrapersonal conflict is inherent in the internal structure of the personality and is a normal phenomenon. By its structure, any one is contradictory. Typically, the resolution of these contradictions occurs in the simplest forms and does not lead to the emergence of intrapersonal conflict. “After all, a harmonious personality is not at all a person who does not know any internal struggle.” But in some cases, the resolution of these contradictions goes beyond the simplest forms and becomes the main thing that determines the behavior and entire appearance of a person. As a result, intrapersonal conflict arises. In his opinion, intrapersonal conflict is the result of a struggle between hierarchized, motivational lines of the personality. Among domestic psychologists, it is worth highlighting N.F.’s approaches to the consideration of intrapersonal conflict. Vishnyakova.

Having considered the basic concepts of intrapersonal development, it is necessary to formulate its definition. There is no single point of view on this issue in the conflict literature. Intrapersonal conflict is designated by various authors as personal, internal, intrasubjective, intrapersonal, psychological.

So, after all, what socio-psychological phenomenon is meant by intrapersonal conflict?

Despite the diversity of its definitions, there are a number of parameters that unite them all. These include:
- intrapersonal conflict appears as a result of the interaction of internal elements of the structure of the individual’s psyche;
- the subjects (“S”) of intrapersonal conflict are diverse and contradictory interests, goals, and desires simultaneously existing in the individual;
- intrapersonal conflict arises only when the contradictions are equal and significant for the individual;
- internal conflict is accompanied by acute negative emotions.

Thus, intrapersonal conflict is an acute negative experience caused by a protracted struggle between the structures of the individual’s inner world, reflecting contradictory connections with the social environment and delaying decision-making.

The basis of any intrapersonal conflict is a situation characterized by:
- contradictory positions;
- opposition of motives, goals and interests;
- the opposition of means of achieving goals in specific conditions;
- the inability to satisfy any need and at the same time the impossibility of satisfying it.

Intrapersonal conflict has a number of features that are important to consider when identifying, preventing and resolving it.

Features of intrapersonal conflict:
- Specificity of structural components;
- Latency;
- Specificity of forms of manifestation;
- Specificity of the forms of flow.

Modern classification (typologization) of intrapersonal conflict is very diverse.

One of the most common is the 3-level classification of intrapersonal conflict, which is based on the emergence of contradictions between a need and a social norm.

The most complete classification of intrapersonal conflicts is contained in the work of A.Ya. Antsupov and A.I. Shipilov, who took the value-motivational sphere of personality as the basis for classification.

Depending on which aspects of the individual’s inner world come into conflict, they identified the following main types of intrapersonal conflict (the value-motivational sphere of the individual).

If any of the above conflicts is not resolved for a long time, it can lead to stress, frustration and its rather dangerous form - NEUROTIC conflict - characterized by high tension and confrontation of the internal forces of the individual.

The above typology of intrapersonal conflicts does not completely exhaust their classification. Depending on other reasons, a different typology can be given. So, if we take as a basis the functions of intrapersonal conflict, then it can be classified as: Constructive or destructive.

Constructive (functional, productive) conflict contributes to the maximum development of the subjects of the conflict and constructive personal costs for its resolution.

A destructive (dysfunctional, unproductive) conflict aggravates a split personality, develops into a life crisis, and usually leads to a neurotic conflict.

If a person has no desire to develop, he has no taste for life, and panic attacks have become constant companions - it is not yet the internal Psychologist who will cope with such problems quickly. It is worse if a person does not understand his thoughts. This is where we should sound the alarm.

Definition

Internal conflict is the contradictions that arise in a person’s subconscious. The patient most often does not understand what this is and describes his situation as emotional problems that cannot be solved.

Depression is an indispensable companion to the internal conflict of the individual and depends only on the person whether he can overcome it or not.

A person suffering from internal conflict thinks negatively and lacks rational thinking.

It is important to know that an advanced form of conflict leads to neurotic and even mental illness. Therefore, it is so important to worry about it in time and start treatment. It will depend on how large the internal conflict is. This means that the specialist will first have to classify the problem and only then take on its solution.

Classification of conflicts

First of all, a person who realizes that he has a problem should familiarize himself with the terms. After all, most often people come at an already advanced stage, and then the work of only a psychologist gives little result.

Today, scientists identify only two types of internal conflicts:

1. A person’s feelings do not correspond to the rules of society.
2. Disagreement with society or the presence of irritating factors have a bad effect on the subtle mental organization of a person.

Levels of contradictions are also identified. The latter appear in a person’s subconscious.

1. Balance of the patient's inner world.
2. Internal conflict.
3. Life crisis.

The first level is determined by the fact that a person resolves internal conflicts himself.

But internal conflict is when a person cannot solve his problems. In this case, all areas of life malfunction, and the conflict only gets worse.

The crisis of life is determined by the impossibility of implementing the plans and programs drawn in the head. Until the contradiction is resolved, a person cannot even perform the necessary vital functions.

You need to understand that all contradictions at any level must be resolved. It all depends on how high they are and whether it is possible to eliminate them or refuse them.

Personal characteristics alone are not enough for the balance of the inner world to be disturbed. There must be suitable situations. They are external and internal. External ones include the satisfaction of deep motives. An example would be a situation where satisfied needs give rise to other needs; or fight against nature.

But internal situations are internal conflicts between the sides of the individual. That is, the person realizes that the situation is difficult to resolve, which means that contradictions have significant force.

Different scientists interpret the causes of intrapersonal conflict differently. Most of them are inclined to believe that the reasons are:

1. The reasons lie in the human psyche.
2. Reasons that stem from the place a person occupies in society.
3. Reasons that are influenced by the position a person occupies in his social group.

But the identified reasons are not isolated. Internal conflict is influenced not by one, but by many reasons. That is, their separation is very ephemeral.

By identifying the causes, you can determine the type of personality conflict.

Reasons for the inconsistency of the human psyche

The internal causes of contradictions in the human psyche are:

1. The clash of personal needs and social norms.
2. Discrepancy between social role and status.
3. Discrepancies between the norms and values ​​of society.
4. Contradiction of interest.

All causes of intrapersonal conflict are due to the fact that a person cannot satisfy his fundamental needs and life motives. And if they mean a lot to the individual or there is a deep meaning invested in them, then this only aggravates the problem.

External reasons that are associated with a person’s position in his social group include:

1. A physical obstacle that makes it impossible to meet your needs.
2. Physiological resources that do not allow satisfying the need.
3. There is no object to satisfy the needs.
4. Social conditions that make satisfying needs impossible.

In addition to the causes of intrapersonal conflict associated with social status, there are also causes associated with social organization. The following points can be highlighted:

1. Inconsistency between working conditions and the requirements for the result.
2. Distinction between rights and responsibilities.
3. Organizational values ​​do not match the employee's personal values.
4. The social role does not correspond to the status in society.
5. There is no opportunity to create and self-realize.
6. The tasks and requirements are put forward in such a way that they exclude each other.

In modern realities, the cause of conflict is often the fact that moral standards come into dissonance with the desire to make a profit. But more often than not, this only happens when a person begins to save his first money and look for a place in life.

This is because in market relations a person is forced to compete with other people, which means that sooner or later hostility towards society will turn into hostility towards oneself. This is how intrapersonal conflict begins. In our society, absolutely opposite things are required from a participant in market relations. He must be aggressive to win his place, but at the same time cultivate altruism and other virtues. It is precisely such mutually exclusive demands that provide fertile ground for internal conflict.

Pros of internal conflict

If a person discovers symptoms of conflict, what should he do? It depends on the individual. If a person is strong in spirit, then internal conflict will push him to reassess values ​​and change some beliefs.

Psychologists specializing in intrapersonal conflicts identify the following positive factors:

1. A person who is in conflict mobilizes his strength and finds a way out of the situation.
2. The patient soberly assesses the situation, looking at it from the outside. In this way he can rethink his problems and solve them.
3. A person's self-esteem increases after he solves his problem.
4. Rational thinking appears, which does not work during intrapersonal conflict.
5. The individual gets to know himself, which means that through internal harmony he relates better to society.
6. While a person is looking for a solution to his problems, he may have a potential that he was not aware of due to low self-esteem.

But in order to get all this, you should not be shy and seek help from a specialist. In this case, there is no need to self-medicate, because only a few can truly solve the problem. An aggravating circumstance is that neurotic diseases, which are present at an advanced stage of the conflict, only complicate the search for solutions.

The danger of conflict

As innocuous as this term may sound, it should not be underestimated. Of course, a lot depends on the individual, but still the negative consequences manifest themselves in the same way for everyone, just for some in a more pronounced form. So, internal conflict is what prevents a person from revealing his personality and establishing communication with other people. A person cannot show his strengths and as a result begins to burn out.

Internal contradictions become a permanent cause for suffering. You don’t want to do anything, you give up, the feeling of inner emptiness grows, and self-confidence melts before your eyes.

If the problem is not treated, it can lead to a nervous breakdown. And this person will get off easy. Neglected intrapersonal conflict leads to serious psychiatric illnesses. Therefore, you should not start the problem and think that it will resolve itself. It won’t resolve, which means you need to look for a good specialist.

Multiple personalities

There is such a phenomenon in psychiatry. What should you do in such a situation? Contact a professional. But treatment does not always give results.

An example is a story that happened in America. American Billy Milligan was convicted, but when he appeared in the courtroom, he did not understand what was happening. The jurors listened to several people, and everything would have been fine, but only the defendant spoke throughout the entire trial. His habits changed, his manner of speaking changed, and he even acquired an accent. Billy could behave cheekily, light a cigarette in the courtroom, and dilute his monologue with prison slang. And after two minutes the voice became higher, flirtatiousness appeared in behavior, and the accused began to express himself very gracefully.

After all kinds of research, scientists came to the conclusion that Billy was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. In his consciousness there were twenty-four completely formed personalities. From time to time he felt like an attractive woman, a political figure, a small child or a prisoner.

Still, this is an extreme state of internal conflict. As a rule, with timely consultation with a doctor, such complications can be avoided.

Forms of intrapersonal conflict

To determine how to get rid of internal conflict, you need to understand in what form it manifests itself. There are six forms:

1. Neurasthenia. The person becomes irritable, performance decreases, and he sleeps poorly. Frequent headaches appear and sleep is disturbed. Depression becomes a constant companion. In fact, neurasthenia is a type of neurosis. And such a neuropsychic disorder occurs because the internal conflict is resolved incorrectly or ineffectively. Typically, neurasthenic symptoms occur when a person is exposed to factors that traumatize his psyche for a long time.
2. Euphoria. The person becomes overly cheerful in public, expresses his positive emotions without caring about the appropriateness of the situation, and laughs with tears in his eyes. This form of conflict is characterized by psychomotor agitation and activity - both facial and motor.
3. Regression. Anyone who has this form of conflict begins to behave very primitively and tries to avoid responsibility for their actions. This is a kind of psychological protection, that is, a person consciously returns to where he felt protected. If a person begins to regress, then this is a direct sign of a neurotic or infantile personality.
4. Projection. This form is characterized by the fact that the person begins to attribute shortcomings to another person and criticize other people. The form is called classical projection or protection, which implies its connection with psychological protection.
5. Nomadism. A person gravitates towards frequent changes. This could be a constant change of partner, job or place of residence.
6. Rationalism. In this form of conflict, it is common for a person to justify his actions and actions. That is, the person tries to reformulate his true motives, feelings and thoughts so that his own behavior does not cause protest. This behavior can be explained by the fact that a person wants to respect himself and maintain dignity in his own eyes.

Ways to resolve the conflict

If a person does not understand the problem of internal conflict and does not want to turn to psychologists, then you can try to cope with the phenomenon on your own. But you will still have to attract loved ones. So, there are several ways to resolve conflicts and disagreements. Let's look at each separately.

Compromise

To resolve the internal conflict, you can try compromise solutions. That is, before solving a problem, you need to give yourself the appearance of a choice. For example, where to go: tennis or chess? And then you need to choose a third option, for example, athletics. There is no need to give yourself the chance to doubt.

You shouldn’t always try to choose, you can combine - this is a compromise. After all, to make yourself ham and cheese sandwiches, you don’t need to choose in the store what to buy: cheese or ham. To satisfy a need, you should take both, and a little bit at a time.

You can also refuse to solve the problem and become a fatalist. That is, a person accepts everything that fate gives and does not interfere with events.

There is an example where a person was cured of an internal conflict by simply closing his consciousness to thoughts that he considered unacceptable. This man's name is William Stanley Milligan, and he simply refused to implement what he considered unacceptable.

To successfully cope with a problem, sometimes it is enough to adapt to certain circumstances. But such behavior should not become a habit. But it is very necessary to adjust your own foundations and values.

Dreams

Some experts advise embellishing problems, thereby starting to fantasize. This means that a person will live in his fantasies and all his “wants and shoulds” will not conflict with each other. But still, most psychologists do not take this method seriously. In their opinion, it is better not to hide behind fantasies, but to cheer yourself up in difficult situations. The phrase that there are no hopeless situations is perfect for these purposes.

Accepting your own strengths

Every person has strengths, and to find them, a person needs to understand himself. Most often, people do not pay due attention to their achievements. So they constantly complain that they don't have enough opportunities. But the point is not a lack of the latter, but the fact that a person does not want to see ways to solve the problem. We can say that internal conflict is a person’s biased attitude towards himself. All you need to do is sit down and think about how a person compares favorably with others. If you find something in yourself that deserves respect and is a strength, then overcoming internal conflicts will cease to be a problem.

Conflicts arise mainly due to the fact that a person himself does not understand why he is valuable, but tries to prove it to others. No one will mock or humiliate a strong person, because he respects himself, which means that those around him respect him.

Purpose

Internal conflicts destroy personality, because in this struggle there are only losers. A person gladly shifts responsibility for himself to other people or adapts to society. But if a person has found his purpose, then internal harmony is restored. The personality becomes strong and, thanks to the internal attitude, does not allow anything to be imposed on itself or to confuse itself.

Simply put, to be happy you need something you love. It will be a source of good emotions, inspiration and vitality. It is the person who understands his purpose who is strong in spirit, happy and able to solve any problems.

Care

The person deliberately avoids solving the problem. There is no need to make difficult choices, which means that the person experiences relief for a certain period. In essence, a person simply waits for the problem to disappear by itself, and if it does not disappear, then the conflict only gets worse.

Sublimation

Internal conflict is resolved using this method due to the fact that the individual transforms psychic energy into acceptable forms. This is one of the most effective methods, as it allows you not only to find the cause, but also to influence it. The ability to sublimate must be developed through constant exercise, despite the fact that all people have it.

Reorientation

In this method, people must first understand the reason that provoked the conflict and who or what provoked it. In order to apply reorientation, you need to have the ability to manage motivation. The method is not fast, but the result is guaranteed to be excellent. If you can’t understand your own personal value system, then you need to contact a specialist. Under the guidance of a psychologist, it will be much easier to get rid of the conflict.

crowding out

If a person tries to repress thoughts and motives that are unacceptable to him/herself, then this is also considered a way of getting rid of conflict. Typically, infantile, immature individuals resort to this method. It’s easier for them to forget something or forbid themselves to think about it than to try to eliminate the cause. The ostrich-in-the-sand position is not effective, if only because not noticing a problem does not mean eradicating it. There is a high probability of a repetition of the conflict, and it is not a fact that it will not be in a more serious form.

Correction

Every person has some ideas about himself. The essence of the method lies in the fact that the struggle is not with the cause of the conflict, but with the individual's own ideas about it. That is, it is easier not to look for ways to eradicate the cause, but simply to change the attitude towards the latter. The effect of the method is rather average, although there are people whom it really helped. In general, if a person understands that he has a problem and needs to be solved, then he himself must choose the ways to solve it. After all, the result largely depends on self-confidence.

Conclusion

1. Intrapersonal conflict is a serious problem that should not be underestimated. Lack of proper attention and search for ways to resolve the conflict can lead to numerous diseases, including psychiatric ones.
2. There are quite a few reasons for the internal conflict, which means that you do not need to act on advice on the Internet or from friends. Everyone has different situations and reasons for this or that behavior. And if it suits one person, it doesn’t mean it will suit another. It is best to go to a psychologist, because only a specialist will help to understand the causes and eliminate them.
3. There are also many ways to resolve an intrapersonal conflict, but the same principle applies here as with the causes. No matter what negative reviews there are about a particular method, only a person should choose how to solve their problems. If he feels that this is how he can get rid of the conflict, then he should not rely on the opinions of others.

In conclusion, it is worth noting: in order to solve the problem once and for all, you need to know how it is done. Only a specialist knows this. Therefore, do not neglect the help of professionals, because this is what they exist for - to help you understand yourself.

Intrapersonal conflict Intrapersonal conflict is always characterized by strong feelings, since it affects our individual motives and thoughts.

Intrapersonal conflict is a contradiction in a person’s views and values ​​regarding himself and his life. This problem is rapidly developing now when people, due to certain circumstances, place too many demands on themselves. Intrapersonal conflict is always characterized by strong feelings, since it affects our individual motives and thoughts. A conflict of this kind can mature and develop for years, at a certain stage without in any way interfering with the individual’s full existence. However, at some point, dissatisfaction with yourself and your achievements becomes too obvious. Then the intrapersonal conflict manifests itself in its entirety. Why is it dangerous, what are its features and reasons for its formation? Let's try to figure it out!

Causes of intrapersonal conflict

Like any conflict, this one also has its reasons. These reasons usually affect a person’s attitude towards his own personality. When we even subconsciously do not approve of some of our actions and even thoughts, we gradually learn to remain more and more dissatisfied with ourselves.

Unjustified expectations

Numerous demands are put forward to modern man in society. Sometimes a false impression is created that a successful person never gets tired and always does his job efficiently. In fact, this is just an appearance, an image imposed by society, which everyone is trying to unconditionally follow. A person cannot constantly exist at the limit of his capabilities. Gradually, she accustoms herself to the fact that she lives incorrectly, not like other people. Unjustified expectations are the main reason why intrapersonal conflict begins to develop. A person feels that he does not meet some standards and cannot influence the situation that oppresses him.

Disappointment in yourself

A common reason for the development of intrapersonal conflict, which makes you give up. It seems to a person that he is not capable of anything, but can only make various mistakes. Disappointment in oneself can arise as a result of failure in meaningful activities. Problems at work unsettle you for a long time and deprive you of self-confidence. If a project fails, thoughts about your own insolvency often come to mind. Disappointment in oneself contributes to the aggravation of intrapersonal conflict. People often drive themselves into terrible experiences precisely because they want to achieve great results, but in fact they deprive themselves of moral strength.

Social norms and personal needs

These categories often come into significant conflict with each other. Conflict is formed when a person feels unable to realize his own desires for one reason or another. Many people consider it necessary to conform to the laws of society, even if these requirements run counter to their own ideas about life. For some, social norms are too important and significant to ignore. In this case, the personality often remains lost and unclaimed. When individual needs are not met, most simply give up and no longer want to make even the slightest attempt to try to change their lives.

Low self-esteem

This is a serious problem, which in itself provokes intrapersonal conflict. If for some reason a person cannot realize his potential, then this circumstance puts extreme pressure on him and makes him doubt himself. Low self-esteem does not allow you to achieve success. Even if a person is talented enough, he does not find within himself the resource for achievement. She has to constantly be in an internal struggle, proving to herself the right to self-expression, and this circumstance is very mentally exhausting. The inability to value oneself is a common reason for the formation of conflict.

Types of intrapersonal conflicts

Intrapersonal conflict has several types of expression. In any case, it is necessary to try to eliminate the contradiction as soon as possible.

Moral inadequacy

It appears as a result of the fact that the values ​​of a particular individual are very different from the ideas of society. In matters of morality and morality, there are too many restrictions that sometimes interfere with a happy sense of self. A person often finds himself in a situation where his desires are not only not satisfied, but are also subject to general censure. It must be said that not everyone is able to overcome such an obstacle. Many people give up their desires only because they do not know how to properly fight for them.

Motivational conflict

In this case, we are talking about the fact that interests that have equal value for a person collide with each other. He cannot give up one thing in favor of another without experiencing a colossal feeling of guilt or disappointment. You need strong motivation to start taking action, to really change your life.

Conflict of unfulfilled desires

This type of conflict occurs very often. In reality, the innermost desires of an individual always face certain obstacles. It is not always possible to cope with them even with support. If an individual lacks self-confidence, it will be difficult for him to follow the voice of his own heart. Often people put off realizing their goals just because they don’t know how to resolve a conflict. By giving up our dreams, we doom ourselves to an unhappy existence. The individual practically ceases to experience joy and begins to live only with everyday worries. The conflict of unfulfilled desires puts too much pressure on the psyche. It can even interfere with building a happy life, since it will constantly remind you of its existence.

Frustrating conflict

The very concept of frustration means that a person gives up something that is of great importance to him. Frustrating conflict emphasizes that a person is too focused on possible failure, and this is what prevents him from moving forward in life. By getting used to giving up our own needs, we cannot fully develop, because we deprive ourselves of joy.

Resolving intrapersonal conflict

Whatever the cause of intrapersonal conflict, it definitely needs to be resolved. If this is not done in time, then there is a high risk that a person will spend a lot of time in contradictions that will poison him throughout his life. This kind of conflict does not allow you to fully enjoy life, enjoy your own achievements and new discoveries. How to move towards conflict resolution? What steps should be taken in this case?

Decision-making

This is the very first step, without which all the others will be impossible. A person needs to take responsibility for his own well-being. No one else can do this for him. This is why intrapersonal conflict is too serious a thing to try to ignore. You need to understand in advance that making a firm decision will help direct your thoughts in the right direction and free you from endlessly rushing through life in search of a better life. There is no need to run away from yourself.

Inner harmony

Living in harmony with yourself is the dream of every person who knows the true price of happiness. Whatever circumstances prevent you from enjoying life, you can not give up. Resolution of internal conflict cannot occur without the formation of such an understanding. It is necessary to strive to begin to realize your true desires and needs. This will help you release conflict by setting your own boundaries. Nothing can compare with the feeling of inner harmony.

Focus on the task

Each person should have a goal in life that will inspire him to new achievements, really lead him forward and force him to develop. Often the presence of intrapersonal conflict in every possible way prevents self-realization. The individual worries too much about possible failure. In some cases, people stop acting altogether so as not to face disappointment. Of course, this approach does not solve the problem in any way, but only exacerbates it significantly. The ability to focus on the task at hand will help resolve intrapersonal conflict. You need to clearly understand the entire sequence of actions. Overcoming the difficulties that arise is necessary in order to strengthen the character, to increase self-confidence and one's strengths.

Escape from doubt

So many people are afraid to make a mistake, thereby getting disappointed in their abilities. You shouldn't constantly be closed in doubt. Failures happen to everyone, but they do not destroy a strong personality, but only show the trajectory of the desired movement. If you are in a pronounced conflict with yourself for a long time, then it is simply necessary to first free yourself from doubts. Fear greatly complicates the situation: they prevent you from acting, making responsible decisions. Freed from worries and doubts, you can reach incredible heights and become closer to your dreams.

Substitution

When you cannot cope with some kind of contradiction, you need to try to understand the situation well. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace with something a need that cannot yet be realized without significant losses. By resorting to such a scheme, you can maintain peace of mind and at the same time come to a solution to the intrapersonal conflict. The problem is that such a conflict cannot be ignored. Otherwise, he can imperceptibly subjugate the personality and make him even more doubtful about the available possibilities.

Thus, intrapersonal conflict is a problem that significantly reduces the quality of life. As a rule, such a conflict always indicates what a person needs to pay attention to, what he has to work on. Paying attention to your own personality will help you free yourself from a painful state of mind. In cases where it is not possible to solve the problem on your own, it is necessary seek help from the Irakli Pozharisky Psychology Center. Working with a psychologist will help restore your peace of mind and restore lost strength. Individual consultations are necessary to understand the origins of the conflict, only after which it can be resolved.

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