Overview

Can a marriage truly thrive without conflict, or is the measure of its strength found in how disagreements are managed? This chapter addresses conflict not as an anomaly but as an inevitable feature of marital life that reveals the couple’s capacity for resilience and growth. While disagreements may arise from finances, parenting, or differences in personality, it is the method of response—whether constructive or destructive—that determines the long-term impact on the relationship. Healthy conflict resolution strengthens intimacy and trust, while unhealthy patterns such as avoidance, hostility, or unilateral decision-making erode the very foundation of partnership.

Learners will examine key frameworks for conflict resolution, distinguishing between strategies that escalate tension and those that promote understanding and compromise. The chapter also explores the dynamics of decision-making, emphasizing the need for shared processes that balance individual perspectives with collective outcomes. Special attention will be given to conflicts around major life choices—such as children, finances, or relocation—where disagreement can have enduring consequences. By the end of the chapter, participants will see conflict not as a threat to marital unity but as an opportunity for growth when managed with wisdom, empathy, and intentional negotiation.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, learners will be able to:

1. Define the nature of conflict in marriage as both inevitable and potentially constructive.
2. Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy conflict resolution strategies.
3. Identify the importance of shared frameworks for decision-making in marital life.
4. Explain how to manage disagreements on major issues without compromising unity.
5. Reflect on personal conflict styles and assess how these impact their capacity for compromise and negotiation.

These learning outcomes provide the framework for all discussions, reflections, and exercises in this chapter.