The existence of conflict is an ongoing part of the human condition. Different people have different wants and needs, and as a result they frequently find themselves at odds with one another. Instances of conflict can be resolved peacefully, often with constructive results, or they can escalate into aggression and violence, generally with destructive results. In the chapters of this book, we will look at how conflict generally manifests in the different stages (age groups) of a person’s life. It must be remembered, however, that the “boundaries” for the groups are not fixed, and that a given individual might well function in a manner that is reflective of an older or younger age group. In the final chapter we will discuss the currently declining rates of conflict and efforts being made to continue that trend.
