The conflict between two positive goals is called:

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

An Approach-Approach conflict arises when an individual must choose between two equally attractive or desirable goals.
The core of this conflict is the presence of two positive options, making the decision difficult only because one must be given up, despite both outcomes being favorable.
The term 'Approach' signifies moving toward a positive stimulus, so 'Approach-Approach' logically means being drawn to two positive stimuli simultaneously.

Option B: This involves choosing between multiple goals, where each goal has both positive and negative aspects, not just two purely positive goals.
Option C: This conflict involves choosing between two negative or undesirable outcomes, the opposite of what the question describes.
Option D: This conflict involves a single goal that has both positive and negative aspects, not a choice between two separate positive goals.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Psychological Conflicts as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding conflict types helps nurses recognize sources of stress and anxiety in patients, which can impact their health, decision-making, and recovery.
A patient might face an Approach-Approach conflict when choosing between two effective but different treatment plans; the nurse can help them weigh the options based on their personal values and lifestyle.
What if? If a patient is refusing a necessary but unpleasant procedure (like chemotherapy), they are likely in an Avoidance-Avoidance conflict (suffer the illness vs. suffer the treatment side effects). The nurse's role shifts to providing support, education about benefits, and managing the negative aspects of the chosen option to reduce avoidance tendencies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question stem: 'conflict' and 'two positive goals'.
The term 'positive goals' is the key differentiator.
Analyze the options based on psychological terminology. 'Approach' signifies a positive or desirable stimulus, while 'Avoidance' signifies a negative or undesirable one.
Match the keywords to the options. 'Two positive goals' directly corresponds to 'Approach-Approach', which means being drawn toward two desirable things.
Eliminate other options by definition: 'Avoidance' involves negative goals, and 'Approach-Avoidance' involves a mix of positive and negative aspects within a single goal or multiple goals.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 p. 317-319

Practise the full NVS- 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.