What does perceived conflict refer to?

Perceived conflict refers to a situation where individuals experience a conflict not necessarily based on actual disagreements or competition but rather due to misunderstandings of each other's intentions. This type of conflict arises when one party interprets the actions or words of another in a way that leads to feelings of discord, even if no malintent or conflict was intended by the other party. This misunderstanding can escalate tensions and create an atmosphere of distrust and disagreement, highlighting the subjective nature of perception in interpersonal interactions.

While openly acknowledged conflicts and those based on tangible competition for resources are clearly defined types of conflict, perceived conflict emphasizes the significance of perception and interpretation in social dynamics. A conflict perceived as real can influence relationships and interactions even if the underlying reality does not support that perception. Similarly, an imagined threat that does not exist does not capture the essence of perceived conflict, which is grounded in the genuine feelings of individuals involved, regardless of whether there is a factual basis for those feelings.