Question

fighting out of pride or fighting to \save face\ may instead be an act of ------. hint you may find this under \options for dealing with conflicts\.

Explanation:

The question is about conflict resolution, specifically behaviors like fighting out of pride or to "save face." In the context of dealing with conflicts, such behavior is often associated with a competitive or win - lose approach. The term "competition" (or "competitive behavior") fits here as fighting to save face or out of pride is an attempt to win or assert oneself at the expense of others in a conflict situation.

Answer:

competition (or competitive behavior)