What is the term for resolving a conflict by withdrawing from the conversation?

Withdrawing is indeed the term that describes resolving a conflict by stepping back from the discussion or conversation. This strategy can be useful in situations where emotions are running high, and it becomes necessary to create space before engaging further. By withdrawing, one allows for a cooling-off period, which may be beneficial before re-approaching the issue.

In conflict resolution contexts, withdrawing can be seen as a tactic to avoid escalation or to give oneself time to reflect on the situation without immediate pressure. The other strategies mentioned, such as competing, accommodating, and collaborating, involve actively engaging in the conflict in various ways rather than disengaging. Competing implies a more aggressive stance where one party seeks to win at the expense of others, while accommodating means yielding to the wishes of another party. Collaborating entails working together to find a mutually beneficial resolution. Each of these options involves a level of engagement that contrasts with the passive approach inherent in withdrawing.