What is triangulation?

• A. A two-person situation in which a third party is called to intervene to decrease discomfort in the conflict.
• B. A method for measuring outcomes in a population.
• C. A strategy for centering clients.
• D. A type of focus group technique.

Answer: (A)

Triangulation occurs when a conflict between two people brings a third person into the situation to ease the anxiety and reduce discomfort. This matches the option describing a two-person conflict with a mediator or third party. In health promotion and nursing, recognizing this pattern helps you understand how family dynamics can influence communication and care. The third person acts to diffuse tension, but it can sidestep direct address of the issue between the original two and may create coalitions or scapegoating. This isn’t about measuring outcomes, centering clients, or focus group techniques, which is why those descriptions don’t fit.