Which cycle describes the behavior of avoiding conflict by denying or shifting topics?

The cycle that describes the behavior of avoiding conflict by denying or shifting topics is dysfunctional avoidance. This concept highlights how individuals or groups may choose to sidestep confrontation regarding an issue, often by diverting the conversation or pretending the conflict does not exist. This form of avoidance can prevent individuals from addressing significant problems, ultimately leading to unresolved tensions that may worsen over time.

Dysfunctional avoidance specifically implies that rather than engaging in constructive discussion or negotiation, the individuals involved are opting to escape the situation, which can lead to further complications in relationships or communication. This behavior can be detrimental to effective conflict resolution because it does not address the underlying issues.

In contrast, other concepts such as dysfunctional accommodation or competition involve handling conflict in a manner that is still confrontational or passive-aggressive, possibly leading to different types of unresolved tensions rather than outright avoidance. Dysfunctional compromise suggests a situation where parties may agree on a solution that is not ideal for either side, which differs significantly from avoidance behaviors. Thus, the correct identification of dysfunctional avoidance is crucial in understanding the dynamic of conflict negotiation and communication.