The Power Strategies of Japanese Children in Interpersonal Conflict: Effects of Age, Gender, and Target

Abstract

Abstract Two hundred ninety-three Japanese children were presented with eight hypothetical conflict situations and were asked to resolve the conflicts. Their responses were categorized into four power strategy types based on Falbo and Peplau's (1980) two-dimensional model. Although the older children had a wide repertoire of strategies available, different developmental trends depended on the type of strategy. The results implied a higher level of resolution skills in conflict for girls, but the hypothesis that girls prefer indirect strategies was not supported. The use of strategies was highly affected by target: The bilateral strategies were likely to be used for the superordinate target, but the unilateral ones were likely to be used for the subordinates.