Patton Case Study
Describe the context of the conflict.
The Patton family has experienced some problems that resulted to the ending of 23-year marriage. From the report, it is apparently clear the family had been living peacefully before their last-born son was born. Before the children were born, the two couples are presented to have been ambitious couples who did their best in the careers they chose. However, when Denise gave birth to Kay 15 years ago, her ability to work on a full-time basis was altered and had to seek the other options that would give her the chance to concentrate on children. It became even more badly when Arnold was born as he is presented to be having some neurological problems. From the mother’s perspective, the child requires some medical attention, but she does not have the money to facilitate this. This elicited some unbecoming relationship within the family setting because the husband cannot an ear to such allegations (Coltri, 2010, p.26).
According to him, the problems within the family are caused by Denise’ laziness of fattening herself and did nothing economical. He also shows that, the boy’s unbecoming behavior is partly caused by the mother’s upbringing. This has even affected their marriage to the extent that he got little attention from his wife. Currently, the family’s conflict and problems are beyond the control and the husband has decided to leave for good. This leaves Denise with children with a somewhat sorry state because she had not been working and had not saved much money to enable them move on with life. When they were unable to solve the dispute on their own, the sought a legal redress on the issue (Coltri, 2010, p.28).
Everyone in this case has some interest that is contrary to the other parties. Robert in his part quitted the marriage in order to seek peace of mind from the irritating behavior of his son and the “lazy” wife. The wife on the other hand, is interested in having the boy being given some medical attention for once especially to counter the neurological problems that he has. She is also interested in having the husband to cater for their day-to-day needs (Wilmott & Hocker, 2011, p.71). The husband appears to be powerful in this case because he has all the money he acquired from his successful brokerage career (Wilmott & Hocker, 2011, p.108). The wife on the other hand, is helpless and as she puts it, she cannot depend on her parents for long. It is in the best interest of the children that their parents can reconcile can come back together and live happily (Coltri, 2010, p.32). The husband portrays a transactive goal whereas the wife has prospective goal. The children also have prospective goals because it is their wish that the conflict can end and the parents to come and live together (Wilmott & Hocker, 2011, p.73).
What is (are) your initial reaction(s) or strategy(s) to resolving this conflict?
The dispute in question is a complex one and blame-games always exist whenever scenarios like this are encountered. As it can be seen from the case, it is apparently clear that the problems encountered revolve around the son, Arnold. In my opinion, his problems as alleged by the mother should be first addressed. This will form a basis of determining the dispute and the rest of the case. This is because of the fact that the problems arose with the coming of the boy. Further to this, he is the source of the bond that would make or break the family forever. However, the legal redress that has been sought in solving this issue will therefore, demand that the husband should gather for the needs outlined by the wife (Wilmott & Hocker, 2011, p.78). This is because he made the earnings and the investments while they were married. Denise on her part had concentrated much in building the family. Initial report indicates that she was industrious and with the successful career, she would have invested as much as Robert had. If the marriage will not be reconstituted therefore, it is only fair if all the matrimonial investments are shared by half possibly to ensure that the children are comfortable as before. I would employ this strategy as the best option only if the spouses cannot come back together (Hawk & Div, 2001, p. 298).
References
Coltri, L. S. (2010). Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Conflict Diagnosis Approach. Boston,
MA: Prentice Hall Publishing
Hawk, G. W. & Div., M. (2001). Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Chapter 10. University of
Montana
Wilmott, W. W. & Hocker, J. L. (2011). Interpersonal Conflict. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
