What does perceived interference mean in the context of conflict?

Perceived interference refers to the belief that another person or group is obstructing your ability to reach your objectives. In the context of conflict, when individuals perceive that their goals are being hampered by the actions or behaviors of others, it can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, or helplessness. This perception is central to the emergence of conflict, as it creates a sense of us-versus-them, fostering an environment where negotiation and resolution become more challenging.

In this context, while recognizing different viewpoints and understanding the other party's perspective may play a role in the dynamics of conflict, they do not capture the essence of what is meant by perceived interference. Similarly, the notion that all conflicts are avoidable is overly simplistic and does not reflect the complexity of human interactions and relationships where perceived interference is often a driving force behind the conflict itself. Therefore, the understanding of perceived interference focuses specifically on the notion of someone else being seen as a barrier to one’s goals, making it a crucial concept in the study of conflict communication and resolution.