Discuss two ways in which unresolved interpersonal conflict can cause emotional stress for a teenager.

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Discuss two ways in which unresolved interpersonal conflict can cause emotional stress for a teenager.” This is for Life Orientation Grade 12 Term 1 Source-Based Task 2026.

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Quick Answer

How Unresolved Conflict Causes Stress:

• Constant Anxiety: Lingering arguments lead to “rumination,” where a teenager cannot stop worrying about the next confrontation.
• Emotional Isolation: Conflict with friends or family removes the “safety net” needed during thehigh-pressure matric year.
• Impact: This often leads tosigns and symptoms of stresslike insomnia, irritability, and loss of focus.

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The Link Between Unresolved Conflict and Emotional Stress

In the South African Life Orientation curriculum, teenagers are taught that interpersonal conflict is an external struggle between two or more people. When these issues are left unresolved—meaning no conflict resolution has taken place—the resulting emotional burden can become overwhelming.

1. Increased Rumination and Psychological Distress

When a conflict remains open, the brain often enters a state of “rumination,” where the teenager repeatedly replays the argument in their mind.

• This constant mental loop creates excessive stress because the person feels they are in a permanent state of “fight or flight.”
• For a matriculant, this distraction makes it nearly impossible to stay focused when writing exams, as the emotional energy required for NSC exam preparation is instead spent on internal worry.

2. Erosion of the Social Support Network

Teenagers rely heavily on their peer groups and family for emotional stability.

• Unresolved conflict creates a barrier in these relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and rejection.
• This isolation is particularly damaging during major life transitions. Without someone to talk to about career decision making or financial values, the teenager’s quality of life drops, and their intrapersonal conflict increases.

3. The Risk of “Conflict Avoidance”

Many learners try to avoid conflict to keep the peace, but this is a temporary fix. Avoiding the issue actually intensifies stress over time because the underlying problem is never fixed. To maintain emotional well-being, it is essential to use effective communication and express views in an appropriate manner.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Textbook: Focus Life Orientation Grade 12
• Chapter: Chapter 1: Development of the Self in Society (Unit 2: Conflict Resolution)
• Topic: Impact of unresolved conflict on mental health.