Psychological and social psychological theories of conflict focus on understanding the internal and interpersonal processes that contribute to the emergence, escalation, and resolution of conflicts. These theories emphasize the role of human perception, cognition, emotions, and social interactions in shaping conflict dynamics, providing valuable insights for conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. From a psychological perspective, conflict is often rooted in individual needs, motivations, and cognitive processes. One key approach is the needs-based theory, which suggests that conflicts arise when fundamental human needs, such as security, recognition, autonomy, and belonging, are threatened or unmet. According to this theory, individuals experience tension and frustration when their psychological needs are ignored, leading to confrontations or disputes. Conflict resolution from this perspective emphasizes understanding and addressing these underlying needs rather than merely negotiating superficial positions. By creating environments where psychological needs are acknowledged and met, parties can move towards constructive engagement and sustainable peace. Another psychological approach is the cognitive theory of conflict, which focuses on perception, interpretation, and miscommunication. People often