Author, Dr. Sue Ann T. Guy
Definition, Occurrence and Symptoms: Synonyms for the term disagreement include dispute, lack of consensus, debate, inconsistency or disapproval.1 Life experiences (opportunities and failures) contribute to individual variation in opinions, thoughts, values, etc. Such differences, in turn, influence disagreement between persons. Disagreement is normal, as it is not humanly possible to all agree on everything all the time. However, when a person biasedly determines one’s opinion is superior to another’s opinion, then prolonged disagreement ensues. Long-term disagreement evolves into conflict, strife or feud.2 Disagreements may ultimately end relationships.3 Disagreements occur in couples, families, friendships, groups, teams, organizations and communities. Symptoms that emerge during disagreement include anger, fear, frustration, resentment, criticism, judgement, insults, shouting, verbal abuse, impatience, violence, etc.1, 3 The opposite of disagreement is agreement, correspondence, accord and unity.
Coping Strategies: Effective strategies to curtail disagreements include listening to others, open-mindedness and acceptance, applying facts solely, withholding emotions and sometimes just walking away.2 For example, when you accept another person’s right to an opinion (i.e., open-mindedness), then you are less inclined to stir emotions or symptoms associated with disagreement. Instead, you simply agree to accept a different opinion than yours. When dealing with individuals who disagree more often than agree, foster and communicate a work environment of open communication and dialogue, documenting activities and communications, openly record or transcribe conversations with permission and include other peers in those conversations.
References
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/202104/5-tips-help-you-respectfully-agree-disagree
