Couples: Conflict as an Avenue for Personal Agency and Change

Abstract

Objective. This article aims to offer a thoughtful examination of the relationship of couples as a platform that fosters the potential for personal agency and transformation. It acknowledges the individuals within these relationships as autonomous entities capable of managing strategies to reshape their subjectivity within the social context. Methodology. To achieve this, a review and categorization of relevant literature was conducted, structured into three sections: love in couple relationships, conflict within such relationships, and the potential for personal agency and change in couple dynamics. These sections serve as a demonstration of individual or collective autonomy often catalyzed by conflict. Results. The reflection concludes that adversity within relationships often births the potential for developing personal agency and instigating change. Individuals, when faced with challenges mobilize internal resources toward achieving a higher quality of life.

Keywords

• affectivity
• relationships
• individuality
• culture.