Navigating Spousal Conflict: A Case Study in Work-Life Balance

Abstract

PSYC 4150 Week 2 Assignment: Case Study Scenario Case Scenario Study I would like to use a case scenario of a conflict that I have been witnessing from very close family friends. While not using their real names, Linda and Mike have been experiencing marital conflicts that I believe my problem-solving style of conflict management can be of relevant in addressing. Linda and Mike have been married for the last ten years and are blessed with two boys. However, for the past three years, they have been complaining about the amount of time Mike spends at work. Linda argues that Mike spends most of his time at work making her feel lonely and neglected. She believes that Mike overstays his working shifts and takes unnecessary working shifts meant for other colleagues just to be at work. She feels like Mike has no time for her and the boys who cherish him dearly. She is also a working class and manages to be home in good time for her boys and the family at large. While defending his long stay at work, Mike confirms that he feels pressured by the awaiting responsibilities with regard to financial provision for the family. However, he is not able to explain to Linda how providing financially for the family overwhelms him while Linda contributes significantly with financial help especially in buying food stuffs, clothing and to some extent their leisure demands. Linda feels that Mike is running away from his responsibilities as a soul mate, a family man and more so a partner that she needs in her life not forgetting his father figure to the young boys. She also feels that Mike treasures his work and his colleagues more than his family making him choose both over them. Unfortunately, this type of conflict has led to increasing tension and emotional distance between them which not only affect them as spouses but also their potentials to deliver as parents. Relevant Theory or Model Face Negotiation Theory Stella Ting-Toomey is the figure behind this great theory which posits that individuals manage their self-image (face)...