Culture and Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Styles: Role of Acculturation

This study explored the role of acculturation and bicultural identity processes in the interpersonal conflict resolution preferences of monoculturals (Koreans and European Americans) and biculturals (Korean Americans). Koreans and European Americans differed in their conflict resolution styles in a manner congruent with individualism-collectivism theory. Korean Americans displayed a complex bicultural pattern of conflict resolution: They endorsed "competing" (a traditionally individualistic style) more than Koreans and similar to European Americans, while also endorsing "avoidance" (a traditionally collectivistic style) more than both European Americans and Koreans. The authors discuss the results in light of biculturalism and cultural encapsulation theories.