What is the definition of conflict?

The definition of conflict as an expressed or unexpressed problematic situation between at least two interdependent parties captures the essence of what conflict truly entails. Conflict arises when two or more parties perceive that their needs, interests, or goals are incompatible, leading to a problematic interaction. The key aspect of interdependence is crucial because it highlights how the parties are linked in a way that their actions affect one another; thus, resolving the conflict usually requires addressing the concerns of both parties involved.

This definition encompasses both expressed conflicts, which are openly discussed, and unexpressed conflicts, where underlying issues may not be immediately acknowledged. This allows for a broader understanding of conflict that includes varying levels of communication and acknowledgment of issues.

In contrast, the other choices present more narrow or incomplete views of conflict. For instance, an argument between friends is a specific type of conflict but does not encompass the broader range of situations that can be classified as conflict. Similarly, a competition for resources, while it can lead to conflict, does not fully capture the interpersonal dynamics or the problematic interactions involved. Finally, a situation where only one party has a problem fails to recognize the necessary interdependence and mutual impact that defines true conflict; if only one party is affected, it does not