Conflict & Crisis Communication: A Methodology for Influencing and Persuading Behavioral Change (Behavioral Sciences) (Report‪)‬

For purposes of this article, the term "critical incident" refers to any significant event that negatively disrupts the functions of everyday living and which requires the attention and expertise of those who are specially trained to handle these events. These critical incidents are further defined as those which lend themselves to a communication-based resolution (Rogan, Hammer, & Van Zandt, 1997; Slatkin, 2005). Some examples are barricaded hostage and crisis situations, kidnappings, suicide situations, workplace and school violence, and trauma (Booth, Vecchi, Finney, Van Hasselt, & Ronlano, 2009; Daniels, Royster, & Vecchi, 2007; Van Hasselt, Hood, Romano, Vecchi, de Fabrique, & Regini, 2005). The methodology presented herein is derived from law enforcement negotiation practices and conflict management theory, which is applicable to therapists and other professionals who must intervene in critical incidents using verbal communication strategies and tactics. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]