Early on in my research, I found a lot of sources noting the risk-averse nature of Generation Z, with one source specifying an apparent "pervasive culture" of risk aversion (Camp, 2024). From a psychological perspective, in stressful moments, the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response can be used to explain human reactions (Guy-Evans, 2025). 

To analyze changing communication patterns, I chose romantic comedies because confrontation is a key element of romantic comedy films, which date back to the 1930s. Romantic comedies are broken up into different eras, but specifically during the latest period, the neotraditional era, both sides often opt for compromise to make the relationship work (Yehlen, 2016). Furthermore, films have great educational potential, prompt critical thinking, and are able to reveal sociological phenomena (Decoster and Vansieleghem, 2014).

Observational studies have been conducted on romantic comedies (Finkel, 2024). Additionally, the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument has been used to analyze interpersonal communication and relationships in professional settings (Thomas and Kilmann, 2008). However, the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument has never been applied to a film study on romantic comedies, so this creates the gap for my novel research. Since the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument creates five confrontation styles (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating), I will use these to categorize each confrontation scene in the films I watch. Overall, applying this model to a film study creates the gap in my research.