Article

Testing the assumptions underlying the dual concerns model: the role of motivation and emotion regulation skills

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Abstract

This investigation examines key assumptions underlying the dual concerns model (DCM): that one’s conflict style is jointly determined by 1) the degree to which one values attaining one’s own goals, and 2) the degree to which one values attaining the other party’s goals.  It also explores the possibility that conflict styles might result from self- and other-oriented constructs not identified in the DCM, as well as by emotion regulation skills. Undergraduate participants completed a measure of conflict styles, simple concern for self- and other-goals, and several additional measures including narcissism, need for dominance, and emotional regulation.  Mixed support for the DCM assumptions was found.  Patterns consistent with the model emerged for the Dominating and Obliging styles, and partially for the Integrating style; no support was found for the Avoiding style.  In addition, measures of narcissism and need for dominance contributed substantially to the Dominating style, above and beyond the effect of simple concern for self-goals and other-goals.  Emotional regulation variables (reappraisal, rehearsal, and aggression control) also contributed to all five conflict styles above and beyond the effect of simple concern for self-goals and other-goals.  Implications for the DCM are discussed.

Keywords: dual concerns model, conflict styles, emotion regulation, self-report, multiple regression

How to Cite:

Davis, M. H., Duggan, J., Gumprecht, M., Loll, O. & Poulo, B., (2023) “Testing the assumptions underlying the dual concerns model: the role of motivation and emotion regulation skills”, Negotiation and Conflict Management Research 16(3), 230–246. doi: https://doi.org/10.34891/xh7x-zf94