approach–avoidance conflict

a situation involving a single goal or option that has both desirable and undesirable aspects or consequences. The closer an individual comes to the goal, the greater the anxiety, but withdrawal from the goal then increases the desire. See also approach–approach conflict; avoidance–avoidance conflict; double approach–avoidance conflict.

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Psychology term of the day

January 18th 2025

recuperative theory

recuperative theory

a traditional but contested theory that the function of sleep is to allow recovery from mental or physical fatigue, to regather resources, or to reestablish internal homeostasis.