Avoidance-avoidance conflict
Definition:
Conflict whereby one must choose between two more or less equally undesirable or unattractive goals.
Example:
An example of this type of conflict would be a situation where you have to decide between doing unwanted homework (avoidance) or doing unwanted house chores (avoidance).
Background:
Avoidance-avoidance conflicts are unpleasant and stressful. Whatever choice is made will not be satisfying, so you simply have to decide which is the "lesser of two evils", and hence the least stressful.
Further Reading:
Lewin, K. (1935). A dynamic theory of personality. New York: McGraw Hill.
Miller, N. E. (1944). Experimental studies of conflict. In J. M. Hunt (Ed), Personality and the behaviour disorders. (Vol 1.). New York: Ronald.
Related Terms:
Approach-approach conflict
Approach-avoidance conflict
Conflict
Self-Instructional Resource:
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