Which therapeutic communication technique should Jose use to address lateral violence?

Which therapeutic communication technique should Jose use to address lateral violence?

• A. Active listening.
• B. Focusing.
• C. Accepting.
• D. Seeking clarification.

Answer: (A)

Active listening directly addresses the harm caused by lateral violence by creating a safe space, validating what the other person is experiencing, and reducing defensiveness. When Jose uses active listening, he fully attends to the speaker, reflects their feelings, paraphrases what they’re saying, and asks open-ended questions. This approach helps the person feel heard and understood, which can de‑escalate tension and uncover the underlying causes of the conflict, such as fear, power dynamics, or unmet needs. By validating emotions without immediate judgment, it becomes easier to address the behavior and move toward constructive solutions like setting boundaries, addressing workplace culture, or coordinating supportive interventions. Focusing can steer the conversation toward a specific topic, but it may miss the emotional content that fuels lateral violence. Accepting shows regard for the person’s feelings but may risk appearing to condone harmful behavior if used alone. Seeking clarification is useful for understanding details, but it doesn’t by itself establish rapport or address the relational dynamics that perpetuate peer-to-peer harm. Active listening combines validation with inquiry, making it the most effective first step in addressing lateral violence.

Active listening directly addresses the harm caused by lateral violence by creating a safe space, validating what the other person is experiencing, and reducing defensiveness. When Jose uses active listening, he fully attends to the speaker, reflects their feelings, paraphrases what they’re saying, and asks open-ended questions. This approach helps the person feel heard and understood, which can de‑escalate tension and uncover the underlying causes of the conflict, such as fear, power dynamics, or unmet needs. By validating emotions without immediate judgment, it becomes easier to address the behavior and move toward constructive solutions like setting boundaries, addressing workplace culture, or coordinating supportive interventions.

Focusing can steer the conversation toward a specific topic, but it may miss the emotional content that fuels lateral violence. Accepting shows regard for the person’s feelings but may risk appearing to condone harmful behavior if used alone. Seeking clarification is useful for understanding details, but it doesn’t by itself establish rapport or address the relational dynamics that perpetuate peer-to-peer harm. Active listening combines validation with inquiry, making it the most effective first step in addressing lateral violence.