The Psychology of Dialogue in Conflict Resolution: Learning from Gandhi’s Principles

Abstract

This research delves into Mahatma Gandhi’s multifaceted perspective on violence, exploring its psychological underpinnings and implications for conflict resolution. Gandhi’s nuanced stance on violence, acknowledging its inevitability while advocating for its conscious reduction, is examined through the lenses of attribution theory and persuasive communication. The paper elucidates the psychological dimensions of Satyagraha, Gandhi’s distinctive approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing ethical foundations, qualitative transformations, and the power of humility. Furthermore, the research explores the psychology behind Gandhi’s advocacy of nonviolence as a universal principle rooted in love, interconnectedness, and the pursuit of the common good. It discusses the practical implications of nonviolence in societal conflicts, emphasizing the role of dialogue, conscious suffering, and the supremacy of love as guiding principles. The abstract concludes by highlighting the proactive and transformative nature of nonviolence, asserting its potential to address complex human conflicts effectively.