Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

According to Dollard and Miller, what type of conflict involves two desirable choices?

1. Approach-Approach Conflict

2. Approach-Avoidance Conflict

3. Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

4. Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

The correct answer is: Approach-Approach Conflict

Dollard and Miller identified various types of conflict that individuals experience when faced with choices. An Approach-Approach Conflict specifically refers to a situation in which a person must choose between two desirable options. Both choices present positive outcomes, creating a scenario where the individual may feel torn between them due to the appealing nature of both alternatives. In this context, the conflict arises from the difficulty in making a decision because both outcomes are attractive, leading to feelings of indecision or anxiety about which choice to pursue. The essential characteristic of this type of conflict is the presence of positive reinforcement associated with each option, which is what makes the decision-making process challenging. The other types of conflicts mentioned involve different dynamics—Approach-Avoidance Conflict includes one choice with both positive and negative aspects, Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict consists of two undesirable options, and Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict involves two choices, each with both positive and negative features. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the choice of Approach-Approach Conflict as the correct answer is accurate in the context of having two desirable choices.