Understanding destructive conflict: The role of projection in attribution bias and selection of conflict strategies in a study of college roommates
Date
2012
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
This study investigated sources of negative interpersonal conflicts. Previous research has established attribution bias as a key variable that differentiates positive and negative conflicts. People who make biased attributions are more likely to experience negative emotions and choose less skillful conflict strategies. However, there is an inadequate understanding of where attribution bias comes from, and who is more likely to engage in attribution bias. This study proposes projection, a psychological defense mechanism, as a viable explanation and predictor of attribution bias. Projection is a cognitive distortion that results in negative evaluations of others and high levels of negative emotional arousal, and may lead people to act destructively in conflicts. Five hundred and nine undergraduate students (n = 509) responded to a survey questionnaire. Results found support for the study’s hypothesis. Projection was positively related to attribution bias, negative emotions, and unskillful conflict strategies. In addition, of the four hypothesized variables used to predict attribution bias, projection emerged as the strongest predictor. Therefore, it appears projection adds valuable insight to the conflict process.