What Are the 5 Types of Conflict? Find Out with Real-Life Examples

The 5 Types of Conflict: Understanding the Different Forms

Well, conflict. We’ve all faced it at some point, whether at work, with family, or within ourselves. But have you ever stopped to think about the different types of conflict? Honestly, I didn’t really grasp how varied conflict could be until I started researching it more deeply. It's more than just a simple argument—there are different forms, each with its own dynamics.

Let’s break down the five main types of conflict and give you an example for each, so you can get a better grasp of what these conflicts really look like in action.

1. Person vs. Person (Interpersonal Conflict)

The Classic "Man vs. Man" Conflict

Honestly, this is probably the type of conflict you’re most familiar with. It’s the classic one you see in movies, books, and of course, in real life. This type of conflict happens when two or more individuals clash due to differing goals, values, or perceptions.

For example, imagine two coworkers fighting over a promotion at work. Both are qualified, but only one can get the job. Tensions rise, arguments start, and before you know it, it's a full-blown conflict.

In my own experience, I once had a pretty intense conflict with a colleague over a project. We both had different ideas about how it should be executed, and we couldn’t find common ground. Honestly, it was draining, but we learned a lot about each other in the process. At the end of the day, communication (and compromise) helped resolve things.

2. Person vs. Self (Internal Conflict)

The Struggle Within

You’ve probably felt this one before—the battle inside your own mind. Person vs. self is the internal struggle where you are conflicted about a decision or a choice in your life. This could be anything from choosing between two job offers to dealing with guilt over a past decision.

I’ve had many internal conflicts in my life, like wondering whether I should take a risk and move to a new city for work or stay where I was comfortable. It was such a hard decision, and I kept going back and forth—questioning myself, doubting my abilities, and wondering what was best for my future. Ultimately, the decision wasn’t easy, but it taught me so much about listening to my instincts.

Example: Deciding Whether to Quit Your Job

Let’s say you hate your current job but feel stuck because it provides financial stability. The constant back-and-forth of whether to stay for security or take a leap and pursue your passion is a perfect example of person vs. self conflict. It’s all about inner turmoil and self-doubt.

3. Person vs. Society (Societal Conflict)

When You Fight the System

Person vs. society conflict happens when an individual faces opposition or struggles against societal norms, rules, or values. This can range from fighting for equality to questioning the status quo.

Take, for instance, the civil rights movements or LGBTQ+ rights. People have stood up to society’s rules, challenging discrimination, and fighting for change. This kind of conflict isn't always easy, and sometimes it takes years for any progress to happen, but it's an essential part of societal evolution.

Example: Fighting Against Discrimination

Imagine a person fighting against systemic racism at their workplace. They face not only internal resistance but also societal norms that have been ingrained for years. The person might face criticism, bias, and even threats, but their determination leads to a larger conversation about inequality. This is a classic example of person vs. society.

4. Person vs. Nature (Natural Conflict)

Battling the Elements

Okay, this one is a bit different from the others because it's not about people but about nature itself. Person vs. nature conflict occurs when a person faces challenges from the natural world. It could be anything from surviving a natural disaster to battling illness or enduring extreme weather conditions.

Honestly, it can be a bit terrifying to think about this kind of conflict. I remember watching a documentary about people surviving harsh winters in remote places, and the sheer determination they had to survive against the odds was awe-inspiring. Nature doesn’t care about human plans, and this conflict shows us just how fragile we can be in the face of the elements.

Example: Surviving a Hurricane

Imagine a person caught in a hurricane. They have to find shelter, secure their home, and figure out how to stay safe. This intense fight for survival in the face of nature’s power is a person vs. nature conflict. There’s no other force they can battle but the environment itself.

5. Person vs. Fate (Cosmic Conflict)

The Big Picture: Fighting Against Destiny

Now, here’s a type of conflict that might sound a bit philosophical or existential. Person vs. fate is when a character—or person—struggles with forces beyond their control, like destiny, fate, or the universe’s plan for them.

I’ve had conversations with friends about feeling “stuck” in life, like the universe is throwing obstacles in our path, no matter how hard we try to avoid them. It can feel like fate is working against us, and the harder we fight it, the more challenging life becomes.

Example: A Love Story That Wasn't Meant to Be

Imagine someone deeply in love with another person, but despite their best efforts, their relationship keeps falling apart due to external factors—timing, distance, or circumstances beyond their control. It can feel like their destiny is to be apart, no matter how hard they try. This is person vs. fate.

Conclusion: Understanding Conflict in Life

Honestly, conflict is inevitable in life. Whether it's with others, ourselves, or the forces beyond our control, it's something we all face. By understanding the five types of conflict, you can recognize what you’re dealing with and start thinking of ways to navigate these challenges.

The key takeaway? Every conflict, whether internal or external, is an opportunity to grow, learn, and find a way forward. What’s important is not the conflict itself but how you handle it. So, the next time you face a tough situation, think about what type of conflict it is and see if you can approach it differently!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.