What does conflict focus on?

• A. A emotional outburst that requires immediate punishment.
• B. A process of blame and accusation without any coping strategies.
• C. A problem-solving process that uses individuals' coping abilities and focuses on unmet needs with low to moderate emotion.
• D. A logistical planning exercise unrelated to feelings.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that conflict focus should be on solving the problem by addressing people’s needs while keeping emotions under control. This means approaching the disagreement as a shared issue to resolve, using individuals’ coping abilities, and identifying what unmet needs are driving the conflict, all with low to moderate emotion so the discussion stays constructive. In practice, parties talk about the concrete issue, acknowledge what each person needs, consider coping strategies, and brainstorm options to meet those needs.

That’s why this option is the best fit: it describes a problem-solving process where feelings are managed enough to think clearly, and the emphasis is on meeting needs rather than assigning blame or venting. The other descriptions do not fit the aim of conflict resolution: treating the situation as an emotional outburst that deserves punishment shifts focus to the person rather than the problem; blaming and accusing without coping strategies removes any path to resolution; and planning something logistical without considering feelings misses the essential element of addressing emotional and need-based aspects of the dispute.