What is the ABC triangle of conflict resolution?

Asked by: Prof. Delphine Farrell III  |  Last update: March 23, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (72 votes)

The ABC Triangle of Conflict, developed by Johan Galtung, is a model analyzing conflicts through three interrelated dimensions: Attitudes (A) (perceptions, stereotypes, emotions like anger), Behavior (B) (actions, violence, protests), and the underlying Contradiction (C) (incompatible goals, values, or interests, often shaped by context like inequality or power imbalances). This framework helps identify root causes, understand conflict dynamics, and find pathways for resolution by addressing any of these three elements, from changing hostile attitudes to altering oppressive contexts.

What is the ABC triangle of conflict?

ABC Triangle Provides for the identification of three basic components in conflicts: attitudes, behaviour and contradiction (for more details see “Components of conflict” in this chapter, p. 77).

What is the ABC of conflict resolution?

The conflict triangle highlights all the aspects playing a role in a conflict situation. This ABC (Attitude-Behaviour-Context) – Conflict Triangle was first developed by Prof.

What is the conflict triangle theory?

The conflict is seen as an equilateral triangle, and it is called the three corners of its sides: angle of contradiction, angle of perception, angle of behavior. between the parties. (vision), and perception of each other.

What are the 3 C's of conflict resolution?

The 3 C's of Conflict Resolution often refer to Communication, Collaboration, and Compromise, focusing on open dialogue, working together for shared solutions, and finding middle ground. Other versions emphasize Calmness, Care, Curiosity, or Clarity, but the core idea is managing emotions and actively engaging to reach understanding and resolution, often with an emphasis on mutual benefit and respect.
 

Peacework Guidebook Unpacked | Episode 12: The ABC Triangle

17 related questions found

What is a triangle of conflict?

In this post, we'll break down the Triangle of Conflict, showing how it works and how understanding these three elements—feelings, anxiety, and defensiveness—can help you break the cycle and take control of your emotional responses.

What does triangle ABC mean?

If ABC is a triangle, then it is denoted as ∆ABC, where A, B and C are the vertices of the triangle. A triangle is a two-dimensional shape, in Euclidean geometry, which is seen as three non-collinear points in a unique plane.

What is the ABC model?

We can understand why challenging behaviors happen and how to change them through the ABC model. A is for Antecedent (Trigger) B is for Behavior (Action) C is for Consequence (What happens right after the behavior)

What are the six elements of ∆ ABC?

Final Answer:

The six elements of triangle ABC are: Side a, Side b, Side c, Angle A, Angle B, Angle C.

What are the three stages of the ABC model?

The ABC model is an important framework in crisis help, focusing on a clear method to meet emotional and psychological needs during tough times. This model has three main parts: Activating Event, Beliefs, and Consequences.

What are the 5 C's of conflict resolution?

The "5 Cs of Conflict Resolution" offer strategies for handling disagreements, often emphasizing Communication, Calmness, Clarification, Collaboration, and Compromise for a constructive outcome, focusing on understanding perspectives, finding common ground, and reaching mutually acceptable solutions, though some models use different Cs like Competing, Accommodating, and Avoiding (from the Thomas-Kilmann model). 

What are the 4 C's of conflict?

Conclusion: Conflict management is an essential skill in the workplace. By incorporating the four C's - Connect Regularly, Communicate Openly, Collaborate more effectively, and Correct the confusion/Queries - you can foster a more harmonious and productive work environment.

What is the ABC method of conflict resolution?

This analysis is based on the premise that conflicts have three major components: the context or situation, the behavior of those involved and their attitudes. These three factors influence each other, hence the arrows leading from one to another.

What does ABC stand for in conflict?

In this framework, there are three conflict management styles that form the acronym ABC. They are: Avoiders, Battlers, and. Collaborators.

What are the 5 conflict resolution strategies?

The five conflict resolution strategies with which you may be familiar – avoiding, competing, compromising, and collaborating – come from the Thomas-Kilmann Model that depicts the amount of assertiveness and cooperativeness involved in each strategy to resolve the conflict.

What is the ABC model of problem solving?

The ABC Model is a practical tool for analyzing and modifying problem behaviors by exploring antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. Useful across various settings, it aids clinicians, carers, and clients in understanding behavior dynamics to develop effective interventions.

What is the ABC triangle in psychology?

The ABC model is a mnemonic that represents the three stages that determine our behavior: Activating events: a negative situation occurs. Beliefs: the explanation we create for why the situation happened. Consequences: our feelings and behaviors in response to adversity, caused by our beliefs.

How to use the ABC model?

"The ABC's of CBT”

A stands for "activating event." The actual event and one's immediate interpretations of the event. B stands for "beliefs about the event." This evaluation can be rational or irrational. C stands for "consequences." How you feel and what you do or other thoughts.

What is an ABC triangle?

* *ABC Triangle, orthe triangle of conflict, is one of the most popular and useful way to investigate and to illustrate the complexities of conflict. *First developed by Johan Galtung, based on his research on the definitions of conflict, the triangle summarizes the elements or dimensions of conflict.

Why do we assume ABC as a triangle?

Expert-Verified Answer

2. We say Let the triangle ABC when there is no naming of the vertices is done in the question , so we have to assume the name of the vertices of the triangle as ABC.

What is △?

The triangle symbol (△) has varied meanings, most commonly representing a geometric triangle (like △ABC) in math, the Greek letter Delta (Δ) for change/difference (e.g., temperature change), or indicating "approximate" or "in-between" in Japanese grading (like half-correct) and set theory (symmetric difference). Its meaning depends heavily on context, from spiritual symbolism (Trinity, balance) to logos (power, stability). 

What is the triangle theory of conflict?

The Karpman Drama Triangle models the connection between personal responsibility and power in conflicts, and the destructive and shifting roles people play. He defined three roles in the conflict; Persecutor, Rescuer (the one up positions) and Victim (one down position).

What are the three C's of conflict?

The "3 C's of Conflict" offer different frameworks for resolution, most commonly focusing on Clarity, Communication, and Compromise/Collaboration (understanding the issue, talking about it, and finding a solution) or Calm, Curiosity, and Connection (managing emotions, understanding perspectives, and finding common ground). Other models include Capitulation, Compromise, and Collaboration (yielding, meeting halfway, or working together) or even focusing on Culture, Conflict, and Change in organizational settings. 

What are the 5 core psychological needs?

Key Takeaways

Needs Hierarchy: The original hierarchy includes physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs.