Escalatory Spirals And "The Big Bang Theory"

Escalatory Spirals is a particular kind of destructive conflict that requires interaction.  Defined by Wilmot and Hocker in Interpersonal Conflict, an escalatory spiral is a "relationship that circles around two or more damaging ends; the interaction becomes self-perpetuating." The example in the book shows two roommates involved in conflict. The conflict begins with a misunderstanding. As the conflict continues, thoughts and actions are occur as they would in an actual conflict. Beginning as good friends and ending with the destruction of the friendship, the escalatory spiral shows how conflict gets escalated by something small and leads to something very large. In the hit show, "The Big Bang Theory," Sheldon and Leonard and roommates, much similar to Brad and Steve in the example in the book. However, in the clip, Leonard is mad at Sheldon for reading a letter regarding an important conference of his and then throwing it away, deeming it meaningless. Leonard questions Sheldon as to why he threw his letter away. Sheldon retorts to Leonard with an insult. The situation escalates to find Sheldon throwing one last insult to Leonard and then walking away, leaving Leonard very angry and the conflict unresolved. The situation does involve direct conflict, however, it also involves, "hitting below the belt" tactics; damaging the other person where it hurts them the most. Although this conflict is not completely destructive to their friendship, it does put a notch in their belts, so to speak. As roommates, Sheldon and Leonard are friends however, over the course of the show, the two have been involved in many conflicts. Some of these conflicts are more serious than the others. Although the series is not over, I would hope that in the end of their conflicting relationship, they can remain friends rather than having their friendship destructed.
Video Clip: Sheldon And Leonard-Escalatory Spiral