Dean G. Pruitt

Dean G. Pruitt, a pioneering scholar in the field of conflict resolution and negotiation, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 at the age of 93. His contributions to social psychology and negotiation theory have left an enduring mark on academia and practical conflict management worldwide.
Dr. Pruitt authored several influential works that have become foundational texts in the field of conflict resolution. Among his most notable contributions is the Dual Concern Model, which offers a nuanced understanding of negotiation dynamics by highlighting the balance between concern for one's own outcomes and concern for the outcomes of others. This model has been widely adopted and remains a cornerstone in both academic research and practical application.
His influential works include Negotiation Behavior (1981), Social Conflict: Escalation, Stalemate, and Settlement with Jeffrey Rubin (1986) and Sung Hee Kim (1994 [edition 2] and 2005 [edition 3]), and Negotiation and Social Conflict with Peter Carnevale (1993). His lifelong contributions are collected in the 2015 book, Searching for Better Agreements … and Finding Them: Contributions of Dean G. Pruitt edited by William Donohue and Daniel Druckman.
Dr. Pruitt was a scholar of considerable breadth ranging from insightful case studies of international conflict and campus crises to laboratory experiments revealing the secrets of how to attain agreements that work for all of the negotiating parties. His work extended beyond academia into real-world applications, influencing practices in international diplomacy, business negotiations, and interpersonal conflict resolution. He was a quintessential scholar who believed in the value of evidence-based knowledge as a path to understanding and betterment, and used his platform to promote greater peace and cooperation in a world often marked by conflict.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association for Conflict Management and the Harold D. Lasswell Award for Distinguished Scientific Contribution to Political Psychology from the International Society of Political Psychology, reflecting his profound impact on the study and practice of negotiation and conflict resolution.
Dean Garner Pruitt was born on December 26, 1930 in Philadelphia PA. After World War II, his parents embraced the pacifism of the Society of Friends (Quakers) that helped shape their son's worldview. He earned an A.B. from Oberlin College (1952) followed by an M.S. (1955) and Ph.D. (1957) from Yale University. His primary research on negotiation and conflict resolution was done while on the faculty of the State University of New York at Buffalo where his teaching and scholarly activities earned him the title of Distinguished Professor of Social Psychology. During his four decades at UB, he mentored many students who have gone on to make their own significant contributions to the field. Most recently, Dr. Pruitt served as Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.
He was renowned among his family and friends for his sharp intellect and humor with thoughtful insights into topics ranging from scientific discoveries, art, history, philosophy and any other topic he read recently. An avid stamp collector since his youth, he specialized in Chinese and French stamps. His passion for Chinese stamps was influenced by his father who was born in China to missionary parents. He and his wife also enjoyed extensive world travel often with one of their granddaughters in tow.
Dr. Pruitt is survived by his wife of 65 years, France (née Juliard) Pruitt; three sons Andre (spouse Kim), Paul, and Charles (spouse Jane); and his granddaughters Monica, Erin, Katie, and Jenny. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and justice will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals he touched through his work.
Private services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the International Peace Institute and American Friends Service Committee continuing Dr. Pruitt's lifelong commitment to peace and understanding.