Internal conflict is a psychological state in which a person feels a contradiction between their desires, values, thoughts, or emotions. Such conflicts can arise due to a mismatch between internal needs and external circumstances, as well as between different aspects of one’s personality. Internal conflicts can deeply impact a person’s mental state, behavior, and decision-making. There are several types of internal conflicts, each with its own characteristics and manifestations in different life situations.

Types of Internal Conflicts

Desire vs. Desire Conflict

This type of conflict occurs when a person simultaneously aims for two or more goals that are attractive but mutually exclusive. This could involve choosing between two appealing options, each with its own advantages.

Example: A person might face a choice between two prestigious job offers, one offering a high salary and the other the opportunity to work on interesting projects. Both options are appealing, but choosing one means forgoing the other.

Avoidance vs. Avoidance” Conflict

This type of conflict arises when a person must choose between two undesirable alternatives. In both cases, they face negative consequences, and choosing one option means avoiding the other, but it does not completely eliminate the problem.

Example: A person might have a conflict between needing to attend an unpleasant meeting or staying at work to perform boring and monotonous tasks. Both options are unsatisfactory, but they must choose the lesser of two evils.

Desire vs. Avoidance Conflict

This type of conflict occurs when the same goal or object elicits both positive and negative feelings in a person. The individual simultaneously desires to achieve something but also wants to avoid the associated negative consequences.

Example: A person may want a promotion that offers higher status and salary but might also fear the increased responsibility and stress that accompany the new position.

Double Desire vs. Avoidance Conflict

This type of conflict arises when a person has two alternatives, each with both positive and negative aspects. Choosing one option will bring both benefits and losses, making it difficult for the person to decide.

Example: A person might be choosing between moving to a new city for a dream job (where they will gain career opportunities but leave behind friends and family) or staying in their hometown (where they remain close to loved ones but miss out on career development).

Conflict of Values

A conflict of values arises when a person experiences contradictions between their personal beliefs or moral principles. This can lead to intense internal stress as the individual tries to adhere to what they believe in, even when circumstances demand otherwise.

Example: A person who values honesty might experience internal conflict when asked to hide the truth or tell a lie to preserve a relationship or career. In this case, they face a choice between their values and practical benefits.

Role Conflict

Role conflict arises when a person performs multiple social roles, and the demands of one role contradict the demands of another. This type of conflict is particularly common among people trying to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

Example: A working mother may experience role conflict when she needs to stay late at work to complete an important project, but at the same time, her child is sick and needs her presence at home. In this case, she faces a dilemma between professional responsibilities and her duties as a mother.

Existential Conflict

Existential conflict is associated with deep questions about the meaning of life, one’s purpose, and the fear of death or non-existence. This conflict can arise at any age but often intensifies during significant life changes or crises.

Example: A person may experience existential conflict when losing a job that was an important part of their self-identity. They begin to ponder what truly matters in life and whether they can find new meaning.

How to Resolve Internal Conflicts

Resolving internal conflicts requires awareness, self-reflection, and personal growth. It is essential to understand the nature of the conflict, recognize one’s true desires, values, and fears, and find ways to overcome internal contradictions. The following approaches may be helpful:

Reflection: Deep self-analysis helps understand what exactly causes the conflict and what its sources are.

Counseling with a Psychologist: Professional help can provide support in working through internal conflicts and finding constructive ways to resolve them.

Relaxation and Meditation Techniques: These methods help reduce stress levels and gain greater clarity of thought.

Setting Realistic Goals: Defining achievable goals helps avoid conflicts of the “desire vs. avoidance” or “double desire vs. avoidance” types.

Developing Emotional Literacy: The ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions reduces the risk of conflicts and makes resolving them easier.

Internal conflicts are an integral part of human life, and they can become a source of personal growth and development if properly recognized and resolved.