How is Destructive Conflict viewed by the parties involved?

Destructive conflict is viewed by the parties involved as adversaries because it typically arises from a breakdown in communication, leading to hostility and entrenched positions. In such situations, the individuals or groups experience conflict as a zero-sum game, where one party's gain is perceived as the other's loss. This adversarial mindset fosters a competitive environment, where collaboration and understanding are sacrificed in favor of winning the argument or achieving a specific outcome, often at the expense of the relationship between the parties. Under these conditions, the focus shifts from resolving the issue to defeating the opponent, which escalates tensions and can create a cycle of escalating conflict.