Psychology2016

430 CHAPTER 11

be unable to decide for or against the goal or event. The author of this text experienced a

very stressful approach–avoidance conflict when deciding to write the book: On the one

hand, there would be money, prestige, and the challenge of doing something new. On the

other hand, a tremendous amount of effort and time would be required to write the text,

which would take time and energy away from other areas of life. Another example is the

offer of a promotion that would require a person to move to a city he or she doesn’t

like—more money and higher status but all the hassles of moving and living in a

less-than-perfect place.

What if I have to choose between two things, and each of them

has good points and bad points?

Multiple Approach–Avoidance Conflicts. When the choice is between two goals that have

both positive and negative elements to each goal, it is called a double approach–avoid-

ance conflict. For example, what if a person had the choice of buying a house out in the

country or in the city? The house in the country has its attractions: privacy, fresh air, and

quiet. But there would be a long commute to one’s job in the city. A house in the city

would make getting to work a lot easier, but then there are the negative aspects of pol-

lution, noise, and crowded city streets. Each choice has both good and bad points. This

type of conflict also tends to lead to vacillation. Other examples of this type of conflict

might be trying to decide which of two people one wants to date or which of two majors

one should choose.

It is fairly common to face multiple approach–avoidance conflicts in daily life.

In a multiple approach–avoidance conflict, one would have more than two goals or

options to consider, making the decision even more difficult and stressful. For many

college students, deciding on a specific school or a career major is actually this type of

conflict.

See Table 11. 2 for a summary of these four types of conflicts.

double approach–avoidance
conflict
conflict in which the person must
decide between two goals, with each
goal possessing both positive and
negative aspects.

multiple approach–avoidance
conflicts
conflict in which the person must
decide between more than two goals,
with each goal possessing both
positive and negative aspects.

Table 11. 2 Different Forms of Conflict

Conflict Type Definition Example

Approach–approach Must choose between two

desirable goals.

You would like to go to both Italy

and England, but you can only

choose to go to one.

Avoidance–avoidance Must choose between two

undesirable goals.

You dislike both cleaning the

bathroom and cleaning the kitchen

but must choose one or the other.

Approach–avoidance Must choose or not choose

a goal that has both

desirable and undesirable

aspects.

You want to have a pet for the

companionship but don’t like the

idea of cleaning up after it.

Multiple

approach–avoidance

Must choose from among

two or more goals, with

each goal possessing both

desirable and undesirable

aspects.

You have to decide on a college.

One close to home would be

less expensive and closer to your

friends but not as academically

desirable. The one in another

state would be academically

challenging and would look

much better when applying

for jobs but is very expensive

and far away from friends

and family.

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