Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
This theory, proposed by psychologist Kurt Lewin, suggests that individuals are motivated to resolve conflicts that can be categorized into three types: approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, and approach-avoidance.
Related terms
Approach-Approach Conflict: This occurs when an individual must choose between two equally attractive options.
Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: This happens when an individual must choose between two equally unattractive options.
Approach-Avoidance Conflict: This arises when one option has both attractive and unattractive aspects.
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