Desi and Consuela are arguing about how to spend the tax refund they received. He says they should get the car fixed; she says they should first go on a vacation; he then suggests they fix the car and use any money left to vacation; she suggests they sell the car and be rid of the problem. Desi and Consuela are engaging in which pattern of unproductive conflict?
A) excessive metacommunication
B) kitchensinking
C) counterproposals
D) cross-complaining
E) self-summarizing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counterproposals occur when each party in a conflict continues to offer alternative solutions without addressing the other's concerns or proposals directly. In this scenario, Desi and Consuela are each suggesting different solutions without directly addressing or building upon the other's ideas, which is indicative of counterproposals.

Desi and Consuela Are Arguing About How to Spend the Tax