ACTIVITY 3 COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS Responses to the following questions must be in paragraphs. 3.1. Choose any THREE of the following factors and discuss in your own words how th influence effective communication: - Personality - Attitudes and Values - Acceptance of responsibility - Appropriate expression of views and feelings - Respect the feelings of others. \( (3 \times 3=9) \) 3.2. Read the following and answer the questions that follow: Conflict Response Styles 1. Conflict Avoidance A person denies that there is a conflict and/or attempts to please others at his/her expense. 2. Conflict Confrontation A person attempts to settle a disagreement in a hostile, defiant and aggressive way. 3. Conflict Resolution A person uses conflict resolution skills to resolve a disagreement in a healthful, safe, legal, respectful, and non-violent way. 3.2.1. Advise a friend who responds to conflict through AVOIDANCE, on why it is healthy to sustain a positive relationship. ( \( 2 \times 2=4 \) ) 3.2.2. Advise a friend who responds to conflict through CONFRONTATION, on why is not healthy to sustain a positive relationship. \[ (2 \times 2=4) \] 3.2.3. Recommend TWO ways in which a person should approach conflict to ensur win-win situation. 3.2.4. Discuss THREE ways in which building and sustaining good relationships ma \( (2 \times 2=4) \) impact positively on emotional wellbeing. 3.2.5. Evaluate the following TWO conflict resolution skills to resist negative social (3xative so to resolve pressure from your frie interpersonal conflicts. \[ (2 \times 2=4) \]

### 3.1 Choosing the factors of **Personality**, **Attitudes and Values**, and **Respect for the feelings of others**, we can see that effective communication is influenced significantly by these aspects. Personality plays a crucial role, as individual traits such as extroversion or introversion, openness, and empathy determine how messages are delivered and received. A communicative person with a balanced personality is more likely to interpret non-verbal cues and adjust their tone to suit the situation, thereby enhancing understanding between parties. Attitudes and values are foundational to effective communication because they shape our perspectives and reaction to different opinions. When a person holds positive attitudes and clear values, they tend to listen more attentively and respond with consideration. This mindset reduces conflicts caused by misinterpretation, and it helps maintain an open dialogue where diverse viewpoints can coexist. Respect for the feelings of others is essential in creating trust and empathy during conversations. When communicators show genuine caring about their interlocutors’ emotions, the exchange becomes more meaningful. Respect encourages an environment where people feel valued and safe to express themselves, which in turn reduces defensive behaviors and paves the way for more honest and productive interactions. ### 3.2 #### 3.2.1 To a friend who avoids conflict, it is important to note that while avoiding conflict may seem to keep the peace initially, it often prevents genuine resolution from occurring. By addressing issues calmly instead of sidestepping them, one can foster understanding and mutual respect, which are the foundations of lasting positive relationships. Embracing conflict resolution means facing problems directly, and this approach builds resilience and trust in the relationship, ensuring that both parties feel heard and valued. #### 3.2.2 For a friend who tends to confront conflicts aggressively, it is necessary to understand that an overly hostile approach can damage relationships rather than strengthen them. Confrontation marked by aggression often leads to defensive reactions, escalating the conflict rather than resolving it. Aggressive confrontation may also hinder the ability to collaborate and compromise, which are essential for deep and lasting relationships. It is healthier to aim for a dialogue that, even during disagreements, allows both parties to express their feelings respectfully, avoiding unnecessary hurt and fostering constructive interaction. #### 3.2.3 Two effective approaches for ensuring a win-win situation in conflict are active listening and collaborative problem-solving. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what the other person is saying. This not only validates the other person's perspective but also opens the door to finding common ground. Collaborative problem-solving, on the other hand, encourages both parties to work together in identifying the underlying causes of the conflict and developing mutually beneficial solutions. This joint effort ensures that each person’s needs are considered and met in a fair manner. #### 3.2.4 Building and sustaining good relationships can positively impact emotional well-being in several ways. First, strong relationships provide a reliable support system during both joyous and challenging times, which can reduce stress and foster a sense of security. Second, good relationships enhance self-esteem through continuous affirmation and validation, promoting overall confidence and resilience. Third, meaningful interactions with others can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction as they fulfill the human need for connection and belonging. These aspects contribute to a balanced emotional state and encourage a more positive outlook on life. #### 3.2.5 Evaluating two conflict resolution skills—active listening and assertive communication—reveals their effectiveness in resisting negative social pressures and managing interpersonal conflicts. Active listening helps an individual fully understand the situation by accurately absorbing all points of view, which reduces misunderstandings and minimizes the potential for escalation. This skill is particularly useful when under social pressure, as it allows an individual to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Assertive communication, on the other hand, enables a person to express their own needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully. By being assertive, one can stand firm against negative influences without resorting to aggression, ensuring that personal values and integrity are maintained during conflicts. This balanced approach combining both active listening and assertiveness fosters respectful interactions that lead to more effective and sustainable resolution of conflicts.