In terms of conflict, what does "perceived" indicate?

The term "perceived" in the context of conflict refers to the belief or understanding that individuals or groups hold about the existence of a conflict. It highlights the subjective nature of conflict perception, meaning that two parties may perceive a conflict even if there is no objective basis for one. This means that the individuals' feelings, thoughts, or interpretations contribute significantly to their view of the situation, irrespective of any factual circumstances.

This perspective emphasizes that conflicts can arise from misunderstandings, assumptions, or differences in viewpoints, rather than from an actual disagreement or a clear situation. Therefore, the basis for the conflict may be about how one party interprets actions or words of another, or how they feel about the situation, leading to their belief that a conflict exists, even if it is not evident to others. Recognizing this aspect is crucial for conflict resolution, as addressing perceptions can often be as important as resolving the underlying issues.