What is the term for a conflict that occurs when choosing between two desirable options?

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

Answer: (A)

When you’re torn between two appealing options, you’re facing an approach-approach conflict. Both choices pull you toward them because each has attractive features, so the struggle is about deciding which positive outcome you want more and giving up the other. The tension tends to be milder than in other conflicts because any pick is desirable, and you usually resolve it by weighing the benefits of each option. For example, choosing between two vacation destinations you genuinely like or between two job offers that both look good illustrates this type of conflict.

This differs from avoidance-avoidance conflict, where you must choose between two undesirable options and feel pressure because both are unpleasant. Approach-avoidance involves a single option that has both appealing and aversive aspects, such as a promotion with great pay but longer hours. A double approach-avoidance conflict adds complexity: two options, each with positives and negatives, making the decision harder.