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Nonverbal Behavior Strategies in Conflict Situations3

Nonverbal Behavior Strategies in Conflict Situations Test

In 3 minutes, learn your nonverbal conflict style and how you respond under tension. Fast, 15 items, ideal for coaching or teams to improve communication and reduce drama.

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Questions: 153 minutes

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

28,015 views

2,756 completions

2,298 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

4/9

Manipulative (M)

Measures how often a person uses indirect or controlling nonverbal influence to gain an advantage during conflict.

Low

Moderate

High

0 – 3: Low | 4 – 5: Moderate | 6 – 9: High

A score of 4 indicates a moderate tendency to use subtle pressure or selective information in conflict, without it being a dominant style.

example score

3/9

Defensive-Insecure (DI)

Measures the extent to which you respond to conflict with guarded, self-protective nonverbal behavior and inward withdrawal.

Low defensiveness

Moderate defensiveness

High defensiveness

0 – 3: Low defensiveness | 4 – 5: Moderate defensiveness | 6 – 9: High defensiveness

A score of 3 suggests low defensiveness, meaning you are generally able to stay relatively open and less self-protective in tense moments.

example score

3/9

Competitive/Confrontational (C)

Measures the tendency to use firm, dominant nonverbal behavior to confront and compete during conflict.

Low competitiveness

Moderate competitiveness

High competitiveness

0 – 3: Low competitiveness | 4 – 5: Moderate competitiveness | 6 – 9: High competitiveness

A score of 3 indicates low competitiveness, suggesting you rarely rely on dominant or confrontational nonverbal signals in tense moments.

example score

4/9

Neutral-Independent (NI)

Measures the tendency to respond to conflict with detached, observant self-control rather than a clearly expressed stance.

Low detachment

Moderate detachment

High detachment

0 – 3: Low detachment | 4 – 5: Moderate detachment | 6 – 9: High detachment

A score of 4 suggests a moderately neutral-independent style, with some distancing and careful self-control while evaluating the situation.

example score

5/9

Collaborative (C)

Measures how strongly you use a cooperative, partner-oriented nonverbal style during conflict (open engagement, direct eye contact, and peacemaking signals).

Low partnering

Moderate partnering

High partnering

0 – 3: Low partnering | 4 – 6: Moderate partnering | 7 – 9: High partnering

A score of 5 indicates a moderate tendency to use cooperative, open nonverbal behaviors in conflict while still showing room to shift into other strategies depending on the situation.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Couples and family communicators

41%OF USERS

People in close relationships who want to recognize their silent reactions in arguments and reduce recurring tension.

Team leaders and managers

34%OF USERS

Supervisors who need to handle disagreements at work and improve how they come across nonverbally under pressure.

Coaches and psychologists

25%OF USERS

Practitioners who use quick diagnostics to spot clients’ conflict patterns and plan targeted skill-building.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Manipulative (M)

Average

Normal range

2.6 — 5.4

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Defensive-insecure (D)

Average

6.5

Normal range

5.1 — 7.9

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Conflictual/Competitive (C)

Average

6.3

Normal range

4.7 — 7.9

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Neutral-independent (N)

Average

6.5

Normal range

5 — 8

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Affiliate (A)

Average

6.4

Normal range

5 — 7.8

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Example Questions From the Test

- I clarify and choose the place, time, and situation so that I feel calm.
- I use the time, place, and situation to achieve only my own goal.
- I suggest meeting on neutral territory at a scheduled time, regardless of anyone’s personal preferences.
- so that each of us can see the other freely and there are no barriers between us (a table, a chair, etc.).
- comfortable for me—so that I can feel protected and have something to lean on.
- such that I can see the other person clearly at all times, and I have more opportunity to influence them and more freedom to move.
- in a corner position
- across the table
- on the same side of the table

These are 3 of the 15 real questions — the rest appear in the test. No sign-up needed to start.

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WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Nonverbal Behavior Strategies in Conflict Situations Test - Symptoms and Signs

behavior in conflict

This brief self-report measure examines typical nonverbal response patterns during interpersonal tension and disagreement. Nonverbal Behavior Strategies in Conflict Situations is intended to help identify how individuals tend to communicate and regulate themselves without words in conflict contexts.

The instrument consists of 15 items and takes about 3 minutes to complete. Items ask respondents to rate their usual reactions, yielding a profile of common nonverbal strategies that may include collaborative, detached/independent, competitive, defensive/insecure, and indirectly controlling approaches. Developed by Albert Mehrabian, Nonverbal Behavior Strategies in Conflict Situations may be used to support clinical formulation, feedback, and skills-focused intervention planning related to communication and conflict management.

Author: Albert Mehrabian

Literature: Deutsch, M., Coleman, P. T., & Marcus, E. C. (Eds.). The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice. Jossey-Bass. 2006.