Affective Learning in Conflict: How Emotion, Motivation, and Culture Shape Resolution Pathways

Abstract: In an increasingly polarized yet interconnected world, understanding how culture and emotion shape conflict management is critical. This symposium examines conflict as a dynamic learning process by drawing on the affective learning approaches to explore how motivation, emotion, cognition, and strategy co-evolve during disputes. Through four presentations, we highlight culturally distinct pathways and emotional mechanisms that influence negotiation and conflict resolution. Liu and colleagues investigate the role of compassion and holistic thinking as catalysts for interests-based tactics and shared mental models, revealing different pathways in dispute resolution in different cultures. Li and colleagues challenge the universal assumptions of trust as a driver of negotiation success, demonstrating that harmony concern, but not trust, predicts information exchange and joint gains in Chinese contexts. Hui and colleagues use a longitudinal diary study to uncover cyclical links between negative affect and conflict, while showing that positive affect fosters cooperative management strategies. Finally, Zhang critiques Western-centric frameworks for intercultural competence and dispute resolution, advocating for reflective, power-aware approaches to cultivate global mindsets grounded in cultural humility. Together, these four studies underscore that emotions are not peripheral to conflict, but are integral to learning and adaptation. By situating conflict management within cultural and affective contexts, this symposium offers a comprehensive framework for researchers and practitioners seeking to design conflict resolution strategies that are emotionally intelligent and culturally responsive. Attendees will gain actionable insights for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics in workplaces, negotiations, and educational settings.

Keywords: Affect, Motivation, Learning, Culture, Quantitative and Qualitative