Sponsor
Portland State University. Conflict Resolution Program
First Advisor
Barbara Tint
Date of Publication
Summer 10-7-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Conflict Resolution
Department
Conflict Resolution
Language
English
Subjects
Identity (Psychology), College students -- Social aspects, Intergroup relations, Interpersonal conflict, Interpersonal communication
DOI
10.15760/etd.2011
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 91 pages)
Abstract
An individual's struggle with "self," which consists of personal identity and social identity, can create both intra- and interpersonal conflict. In this study, I explored how such struggles inform identity-based conflict and how such conflicts are addressed by intergroup dialogue. A dialogue was conducted with University students, consisting of discussions about participants' struggles with "self" and social identity. These conversations were analyzed using a mixed methods and content analysis approach. The study revealed that identities such as gender play significant roles in creating conflict within "self" and with others. National origin, race, and ethnicity also affect personal identity; however, these identities have greater influence on participants' relationships with others. Four different stages of dialogue were crucial in determining changes in the perceptions of participants. It was learned that dialogue helped participants to give new meaning to their identities. Individual "self"--personal identity--defines each person's ability to understand others, not the social identity. Participants reported their level of trust, openness, and willingness to engage with people not from their own identity group increased and improved because of their participation in the dialogue. Therefore, dialogue can be a valuable tool to understand and transform identity-based conflicts.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/12778
Recommended Citation
Shrestha, Lisha, "Dialogue in Identity-Based Conflict (Study of Intergroup-Dialogue with University Students)" (2014). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 2012.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.2011
Included in
Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons