Research/Summary Paper Select a topic which deals with a current situation relating to conflict. It is expected that your topic will be as current as of yr. 2019-2020, and has had an effect on our eco

An Analysis of the Parking Lot Scuffle

Jennifer Bacuylima

SOC-460D-OL1

Conflict & Conflict Resolution

Dr. Ruth Doriscar-Cook

June 1, 2025

An Analysis of the Parking Lot Scuffle

1. Capture reader’s interest: Conflict can escalate from a simple misunderstanding to a heated exchange in a matter of moments, especially when pride, perception, and past experiences are involved.
2. Build case through logic: The Parking Lot Scuffle case shows how psychological and emotional triggers, communication patterns, and moral values influence conflict outcomes.
3. Topic sentence/thesis statement: The Parking Lot Scuffle illustrates how internal emotional triggers, communication breakdowns, and unresolved past experiences can escalate interpersonal conflict, and highlights the importance of applying moral, religious, and psychological principles for resolution.

1. Support Psychodynamic theory emphasizes unconscious emotional responses

1. Example Disproportionate emotional response in the case.
2. Example Projection of unresolved issues onto others.

1. Support Romans 7:15 as spiritual insight on irrational behavior.

1. Example Scripture reflection about doing what one hates.

1. Example Relating to personal experience of emotional overreaction.

1. Support Personal reflection.

1. Example Overreacting to a colleague due to past criticism.

1. Example Self-awareness prompted by reflection.

1. Support Ineffective communication escalates conflict

1. Example Accusatory language in the case.

1. Example Interruption and lack of listening.

1. Support Proverbs 15:1 — gentle words de-escalate conflict.

1. Example Biblical wisdom applied to real-life conflict.

1. Example Miscommunication in personal experience resolved by active listening.

1. Support Constructive communication strategies.

1. Example Listening to understand rather than reply.

1. Example Remaining calm to avoid escalation.

1. Support Christian teachings promote peace and reconciliation.

1. Example Turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

1. Example Peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9).

1. Support Ethical choices to prevent violence.

1. Example Apology as a method of de-escalation.

1. Example Moral reflection influencing decisions.

1. Support Personal application of moral teachings.

1. Example Choosing forgiveness over retaliation.

1. Example Learning to preserve relationships.

1. Restate topic Conflict is both interpersonal and intrapersonal.
2. Summarize three main points Emotional triggers, communication failures, and ethical decision-making all play critical roles.
3. Revisit introduction or tie all ideas together With emotional awareness, effective communication, and Christian values, conflict can become a catalyst for personal growth and reconciliation.

An Analysis of the Parking Lot Scuffle

Conflict can quickly escalate from a small issue to an intense exchange, mainly due to pride, how people see the situation, and past experiences. The Parking Lot Scuffle case study includes feelings, miscommunication, and unresolved personal issues that all lead to a tense conflict. Using psychodynamic theory, communication frameworks, and Christian morality in this case helps explain the issues and how they can be resolved. This paper explains that emotional reactions within oneself, poor communication, and deciding what is right or wrong can either make a conflict grow or help it end.

Psychodynamic theory claims that a lot of our behavior comes from our unconscious mind, old childhood events, and how we defend ourselves. During the Parking Lot Scuffle, both people act in ways that show strong emotions for an event that is not normally that dramatic, which suggests their feelings come from deeper issues. According to Gehart (2015), when inner conflicts are not settled, they often appear externally in other people or conflicts.

One person’s reaction to being cut off by another in the parking lot could be caused by old-standing difficulties with being disrespected or mistreated. People get angry and aggressive because they think their dignity is being challenged by the incident (Hick, 2021). Paul tells us in Romans 7:15 that he does not always understand why he behaves in certain ways. I want to do certain things, but I do not do them; on the other hand, I end up doing the things I detest. It shows that people may act without thinking clearly if they are dealing with unresolved conflicts inside. One time, instead of responding normally to something, I got offended because it reminded me of something criticized in the past that I barely processed. From that point, I understood the value of understanding my emotions before expressing them.

The way people communicate while under pressure can either reduce or increase the conflict. According to Folger et al. (2024), using accusatory words, interrupting, and not listening fully contribute to making conflict more serious. There is a shift from calm talk to emotional argument between the people in the case, which points to a failure in constructive conversation.

Rather than talking and trying to understand, both feel the need to defend their positions and argue. Such situations are like real cases, because people tend to base their reactions on their own beliefs instead of caring about how it affects others. Proverbs 15:1 teaches that being gentle calms anger, whereas harsh words cause it to stir up. Rather than defending myself when a mix-up occurred at work, I listened to what everyone was saying, and that helped find a solution. Going through that made me learn to keep a calm tone and to be patient in difficult times. Likewise, keeping a cool head and actively listening can change how an emotional moment develops.

In Christian ethics, it is expected that people would express humility, forgiveness, and try to promote peace when responding to any conflict. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:39, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also,” encouraging humility and non-retaliation and in Matthew 5:9, he commends those whose goal is peace by calling them "children of God." This teaching doesn’t ask for revenge and instead asks people to make amends.

By using moral reasoning, the situation in The Parking Lot Scuffle could have been avoided from escalating. Taking responsibility, saying sorry truly, or even walking away would have respected the dignity of everyone. Recent research by Altmeyer (2024) shows that making ethical choices in conflicts usually results in less violence and helps maintain mutual respect afterwards. I try to follow these concepts, but I am not perfect at it. Being able to forgive instead of being proud has helped me save important relationships in my life.

This story provides more than just details of an argument; it shows the role of passion, communication problems, and ethics in human conflicts. Learning about these layers with the help of psychodynamic theory, communication science, and Christian morality helps us deal with conflicts more carefully. With effort, self-awareness, and religion, negative situations can become ways for people to learn and repair relationships.

Altmeyer, S. (2021). Religious education for ecological sustainability: an initial reality check using the example of everyday decision-making. Journal of Religious Education, 69(1), 57-74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40839-020-00131-5

Folger, J. P., Poole, M. S., & Stutman, R. K. (2024). Working through conflict: Strategies for relationships, groups, and organizations. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003381556

Gehart, D. R. (2015, May 6). Psychodynamic theories. YouTube. https://youtu.be/wEgV47gN0YM

Hicks, D. (2021). Dignity: Its essential role in resolving conflict. Yale University Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=nCQ7EAAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&ots=Q-LTh-w-vu&dq=People%20get%20angry%20and%20aggressive%20because%20they%20think%20their%20dignity%20is%20being%20challenged%20by%20the%20incident&lr&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.