Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

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Social entrenchment is inescapable. From the moment we are born, we co-exist. The social milieu provides us with scaffolding which helps us to navigate our world. It can offer us a rudimentary confidence in the knowledge we acquire. We find meaning by making inferences about what we perceive beyond mere observation,  and attain a sense of validation and reliability in our perceptions when we are aware that others have come to the same conclusion.  Moreover, as inherently social beings, we require personal relationships in order to satisfy the psychological need for intimacy, comfort and general emotional well-being. The significance of this need is underscored by the emotional and mental penury brought about by the infliction of one of the worst forms of torture: solitary confinement.   Through these epistemic and relational motives, we are utterly compelled to form bonds with others.  However, conflict often prevails in contradistinction to these relationships.

From a psycho-social perspective, with particular heed to intergroup conflict, the points in this article will attempt to shed light on the formation of the in-group; prejudice; and the cognitive inevitably of conflict. This may help to identify, decipher, and forge pathways to conflict resolution. Hence, this article will address the cognitive mechanisms, such as social tuning and perspective taking, which may serve to prevent or moderate conflict, and potentially succor conflict resolution.