Unit 1 Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellness Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 26 person’s point of view and even build relationships. Conflicts that are unhealthy cause stress and put strain on relationships. Conflict resolution skills are strategies for resolving disagreements in a positive, respectful way to promote healthy relationships. Strategies in conflict resolution (also called conflict management) are shown in Figure 1.13. In some cases, a conflict is too serious or too difficult for the people directly involved to manage by themselves. In this situation, an outside individual with a neutral perspective can help the people or groups find a good solution. Mediation is a strategy for resolving difficult conflicts by involving a neutral third party, or mediator. During mediation, both parties in the conflict separately share their perspective of the conflict with the mediator. The mediator then brings the two parties together to share their views and tries to help them reach an agreement. You will learn more about conflict resolution later in this textbook. Accessing and Evaluating Health Information and Services As you learn about health-related terms, concepts, and facts, you will develop the ability to locate, evaluate, apply, and communicate information as it relates to your health. This is health literacy. Your health literacy builds on basic facts and concepts you learn at home and in school. Figure 1.13 When you meet with the other person in the conflict, remember that each person is different. There is nothing wrong with someone having an opinion that is different from yours. Differences make people more interesting. Why is it important to deal with arguments in a positive, respectful way? Step 1 State what problem you think is causing the conflict and have the other person share this information too. Listen carefully to understand that person’s perspective. Step 5 Take action to apply the solution. Ensure that all parties know their designated roles in the solution. Make sure everyone follows through on the agreed-upon solution. Step 4 Often, both sides agree to give in a little, or compromise. Through compromise, each side can reach a solution that is acceptable for all people involved. Step 3 Calmly discuss the issue and possible solutions. Both parties should be open to suggestions and focus on finding a solution together. Step 2 Find out what each person wants or needs as a desired outcome to the situation. Brainstorm ways to solve the conflict. Conflict Resolution Skills Identify the cause of the conflict. Ask for solutions from both parties. Identify solutions both parties can support. Agree on a solution. Carry out the solution. Step 6 Review the outcome of the solution. If for some reason the solution is not working, identify which step in the process failed, go back to that step, and try again. Evaluate the solution and renegotiate, if necessary.