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2021: Creating a Lexicon of Future
D is for De-escalation
Dec 22, 2021
De-escalation is a behavior that is intended to prevent escalation of conflicts. It may also refer to approaches in conflict resolution. People may become committed to behaviors that tend to escalate conflict, so specific measures must be taken to avoid such escalation. ~ Wikipedia
De-escalation techniques and resources
The following tips — published by the Crisis Prevention Institute and the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine — may provide a useful starting point for the de-escalation process.
- Move to a private area
- Be empathetic and non-judgmental
- Respect personal space
- Keep your tone and body language neutral
- Avoid over-reacting
- Focus on the thoughts behind the feelings
- Ignore challenging questions
- Set boundaries
- Choose boundaries wisely
- Allow silence
- Allow time for decisions
