Which type of conflict involves choosing between a goal with both desirable and undesirable aspects?

Which type of conflict involves choosing between a goal with both desirable and undesirable aspects?

• A. Approach-Approach
• B. Avoidance-Avoidance
• C. Approach-Avoidance
• D. Double bind

Answer: (C)

When a single goal has both appealing and unappealing aspects, you’re dealing with an approach-avoidance conflict. The pull toward the goal is strong because it promises something desirable, but there’s also a push away because of the undesirable aspects. This creates ambivalence and can make choosing harder, since you’re torn between the positive and negative consequences of pursuing the goal. For example, taking a dream job might offer great pay and exciting work, but long hours or a stressful commute are drawbacks you have to weigh. This differs from an approach-approach situation, which involves choosing between two desirable options; and from an avoidance-avoidance scenario, which pits two undesirable options against each other. A double bind, meanwhile, is a no-win situation created by conflicting messages or demands, not a single goal with mixed attributes.

When a single goal has both appealing and unappealing aspects, you’re dealing with an approach-avoidance conflict. The pull toward the goal is strong because it promises something desirable, but there’s also a push away because of the undesirable aspects. This creates ambivalence and can make choosing harder, since you’re torn between the positive and negative consequences of pursuing the goal. For example, taking a dream job might offer great pay and exciting work, but long hours or a stressful commute are drawbacks you have to weigh.

This differs from an approach-approach situation, which involves choosing between two desirable options; and from an avoidance-avoidance scenario, which pits two undesirable options against each other. A double bind, meanwhile, is a no-win situation created by conflicting messages or demands, not a single goal with mixed attributes.