Conflict styles · CRSI
Explore what you tend to do when an argument gets hard
Source · Kurdek LA. Conflict resolution styles in gay, lesbian, heterosexual nonparent, and heterosexual parent couples. J Marriage Fam. 1994;56(3):705–722. (Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory) Items use the original English wording of the cited instrument. Grouping names, descriptions and descriptive score ranges are CareOps wording and have not been independently validated. CareOps extends the prompt from romantic partners to family and close friends, which has not been independently validated.
Read conflict styles alongside a real disagreement
The 16-item CRSI explores problem-solving, conflict engagement, withdrawal and compliance. The original asks about conflict with a romantic partner. This English translation of the CareOps adaptation broadens the context to include family and close friends.
Reading your results
Several styles can appear in the same person. Instead of defining yourself or someone else by the highest score, consider the person and issue involved. Answer about your own actions rather than completing the check on someone else’s behalf.
A question to reflect on
Recall a recent disagreement. Separate what the other person said, what you said or did, and what you still wanted to express. If you stopped talking, consider how long a break you wanted and when you hoped to return to the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
- How many questions are in the CRSI conflict styles check, and how long does it take?
- There are 16 questions, and it usually takes about 3 minutes. For each question you choose one of 5 answers, from “Never” to “Always”. There are no right or wrong answers.
- What are the four conflict styles?
- Problem-solving means looking for a solution together. Conflict engagement means raising your voice or going on the attack. Withdrawal means avoiding the conversation or leaving. Compliance means giving up your view and going along with the other person. Several styles can appear in the same person.
- Can I take it if I am not in a relationship?
- Yes. The original asks about conflict with a romantic partner, but this page uses the CareOps adaptation that also covers family and close friends. Think of one relationship where a conflict happened recently and answer with it in mind.
- Can I answer on someone else’s behalf to understand them?
- This check asks about what you actually do. Answering for someone else may not match how they really act. Taking it separately and comparing the results side by side tends to be more useful.
- Do I need to sign in? Are my answers saved?
- You can see your results right away without signing in. Your answers are used only for scoring and are not stored on our servers.
- Can I bring these results into a counseling session?
- Use the analysis button at the bottom of the result screen to have a short conversation with Maeumi without signing in. After the conversation, you can continue in the app. The web conversation does not transfer automatically to the app.
- Can I share my results with a friend?
- Yes. Use Share at the top right of the result screen to send a friend the check itself, or share your result as a link or story image. A result link carries your scores inside the address only; it does not include your name or account, and nothing is saved on our side.