Describe the various types of conflict described in the textbook using specific examples for each one
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER:
Approach–approach conflicts. The easiest conflict to resolve, and therefore the conflict that is accompanied by the least amount of perceived stress, is the approach–approach conflict, in which a person must choose between two likable, or positive, events. Choosing between seeing an old friend who is passing through town or going out with someone you’ve been hoping would ask you out is an example of an approach–approach conflict.
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Avoidance–avoidance conflicts. The opposite of the approach–approach conflict is the avoidance–avoidance conflict, in which a person has to choose between two undesirable, or negative, events. You can think of this type of conflict as a Catch-22 situation. For example, do you spend the morning in line to register your car, or do you get your car towed because the registration has expired? Because both options in an avoidance–avoidance conflict are unappealing, many people remain undecided and inactive, or “frozen.”
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Approach–avoidance conflicts. Another stressful conflict to resolve is the approach–avoidance conflict, in which a person is faced with a desire or need that has both positive and negative qualities. He or she is drawn to the situation because of its positive features (approach), but is also repelled by and would rather not experience the negative aspects of the situation (avoidance).
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Multiple conflicts.
In real life, many conflicts involve several alternatives, each with both positive and negative features. These multiple approach–avoidance conflicts can contribute to the amount of stress we feel. In deciding which college to attend, you may have been faced with several choices. Each school may have had its good points and bad points (distance from home, tuition cost, program of studies, social life). Deciding on a major or a career, choosing between two job offers, and deciding which house or car to buy are other examples of multiple conflicts.