Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

What psychological principle describes indecisiveness and ambivalence in choosing a desired goal?

1. Conflict

2. Dissonance

3. Analysis

4. Resolution

The correct answer is: Conflict

The principle of conflict aptly describes indecisiveness and ambivalence when individuals are faced with choosing a desired goal. In psychology, conflict refers to a situation where there are competing motivations or desires pulling an individual in different directions, leading to uncertainty about which path to take. This can manifest as ambivalence—where one feels torn between two or more choices—resulting in difficulty making a decision. When someone experiences conflict, it may involve an internal struggle, often related to weighing the pros and cons of each choice or evaluating the potential outcomes and associated risks. This inner turmoil can cause a sense of frustration and anxiety, further complicating the decision-making process. For instance, a person might desire to pursue a career change but also feel apprehensive about leaving their current job due to security concerns. Such an internal conflict perfectly exemplifies the ambivalence that comes with indecisiveness, as the individual grapples with competing priorities. In contrast, the other options, while related to psychological principles, do not specifically capture the essence of indecisiveness and ambivalence in decision-making. Dissonance relates more to the discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or attitudes, which, while it can lead to conflict, is not the core reason for indecisiveness itself. Analysis