Phase 4 in the Conflict Cycle covers which of the following?

• A. Emotional response to the hot thoughts.
• B. Responses from others.
• C. Actions taken based on feelings.
• D. Results of the behavior.

Answer: (C)

Phase four is the stage where the person takes action based on what they’re feeling. It’s the actual behavior you can observe—the move someone makes in response to their thoughts and emotions. This is distinct from the internal emotional response itself and from how others react, and it happens before you see the final outcomes of those actions. Recognizing this helps you guide toward safer, constructive actions in the moment, such as using a calm voice, stepping away to de-escalate, or asking for assistance, rather than getting stuck in the feelings or in others’ reactions.