Escalation Cycle Part 1

4/8 Behavior Expectations Review

Intro: Escalation Cycle

For the next three weeks, we are going to discuss something called the Escalation Cycle. It has to do with how disagreements can grow in intensity if not dealt with appropriately and at the right time.

Week 1: Reflecting on disagreements we’ve had

Week 2: Stages of the Escalation Cycle

Week 3: Brainstorming solutions

Think back on a memorable (or recent) argument you’ve had with someone. It could be a friend, family member, teacher, anyone. Write at least 10 lines about this event. Use the following questions to guide your thoughts:

1. What happened? Why did the argument start?
2. Did the argument escalate as it went on?
3. How did your feelings change as the argument went on?
4. Did you “blow up” at any point? Did the other person?
5. Is there anyway that the argument could have been resolved - or even avoided in the first place?
6. How did you feel afterwards?

Hold on to this paper. We’ll use it next week when we learn about the stages of the Escalation Cycle.