Laboratory Tests of a Motivational-Perceptual Model of Conflict Escalation

Bill E. Peterson, David G. Winter and Richard M. Doty
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Bill E. Peterson: University of New Hampshire
Richard M. Doty: University of Michigan

Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1994, vol. 38, issue 4, 719-748

Abstract: We present a model suggesting that international conflicts escalate to violence when countries (a) express higher levels of power motive imagery, (b) exaggerate levels of perceived power motive imagery in communications and statements from the “other†side, and (c) express still higher levels of power motive imagery as a result of such exaggerated perceptions. The model is supported by three studies. In the first two, participants wrote replies to one of two versions of the same letter taken from a real crisis. The third study explored conditions that affect the exaggerated perception of power motive imagery of the other side by asking participants to highlight the important points of a letter from a real crisis, under neutral conditions and under conditions arousing power motivation. The role of psychological variables in the escalation of conflicts to violence is discussed.

Date: 1994
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jocore:v:38:y:1994:i:4:p:719-748

DOI: 10.1177/0022002794038004007

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