[Styles of interpersonal conflict in patients with panic disorder, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls: a cluster analysis study].
OBJECTIVE
Conflict and conflict resolution in intimate relationships are not only among the most important factors influencing relationship satisfaction but are also seen in association with clinical symptoms. Styles of conflict will be assessed in patients suffering from panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, in alcoholics and in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
176 patients and healthy controls filled out the Styles of Conflict Inventory and questionnaires concerning severity of clinical symptoms.


RESULTS
A cluster analysis revealed 5 types of conflict management. Healthy controls showed predominantely assertive and constructive styles, patients with panic disorder showed high levels of cognitive and/or behavioral aggression. Alcoholics showed high levels of repressed aggression, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis often did not exhibit any aggression during conflict.


CONCLUSIONS
5 Clusters of conflict pattern have been identified by cluster analysis. Each patient group showed considerable different patterns of conflict management.
Eher
R
R
Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie, Wien, Osterreich. reinhard.eher@univie.ac.at
Windhaber
J
J
Rau
H
H
Schmitt
M
M
Kellner
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000374:Aggression; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology*; D001242:Assertiveness; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012016:Reference Values; D012094:Repression, Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires