What is the definition of active listening in conflict communication?

Active listening in conflict communication is defined as fully concentrating and responding thoughtfully to the speaker. This involves not just hearing the words being spoken but also understanding the underlying emotions and intentions behind those words. Active listening requires engagement and empathy, allowing the listener to grasp the full context of the message while demonstrating that they value the speaker's perspective. This approach fosters a more constructive dialogue, as it encourages openness, reduces misunderstandings, and helps to build trust between parties involved in a conflict.

In contrast, other approaches listed would hinder effective communication. Ignoring the speaker detracts from the interaction and prevents any meaningful exchange of ideas. Listening without providing feedback can result in a lack of engagement and leaves the speaker feeling unheard. Lastly, listening solely to gather information for rebuttal indicates that the listener is not genuinely processing the information but is instead focused on formulating their counter-argument, which can escalate conflict rather than resolve it.