Join Our Study on Anger Management and Conflict Resolution in Personal Relationships
We invite researchers to collaborate on our sixth empirical study examining anger management and conflict resolution in personal relationships. This study explores specific verbal statements and nonverbal behaviors that reduce conflict, lower anger, and strengthen relationships.
Our research is based on The Game Changer, an educational board game designed as both a teaching tool and an engaging learning exercise. Participants learn targeted verbal statements and nonverbal cues-both for listening and sharing feelings-that help lower anger, encourage attentive listening, and promote conflict resolution. Our findings across diverse populations-including students, the general U.S. public, and military personnel-consistently demonstrate that these skills enhance conflict resolution, relationship satisfaction, and self-esteem. We presented these findings at the recent ICA conference and will also present at the NCA conference in Denver.
The study is grounded in Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which explains how people adapt their communication behaviors based on relational goals, emotional needs, and context (Giles, 1973; Gallois et al., 2005). In conflict situations, CAT predicts patterns of convergence, divergence, or maintenance, as reflected in linguistic and emotional framing. These dynamics are central to our investigation.
We are seeking researchers with expertise or interest in preparing manuscripts for publication, conducting literature reviews, or designing and analyzing qualitative or quantitative studies. Opportunities for co-authorship and conference presentations are available. We welcome researchers interested in manuscript preparation, literature reviews, or the design and analysis of qualitative and quantitative studies.
Prior research includes: 'Understanding the effect of vocal behaviors in high-conflict situations in personal relationships,' Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54(6), 470-478, 2023; 'Resolving conflict in interpersonal relationships using passive, aggressive, and assertive verbal statements,' International Journal of Conflict Management, 2024; 'Resolving Conflict in Interpersonal Relationships using Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Listening Statements,' Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, 18(3), 204-236, 2025; and 'Anger Framing and Conflict Repair: A CAT-Informed Cross-Population Study on Feeling Statements' (submitted 2025).