Which theory posits that choices create conflicts such as approach-approach, approach-avoidance, and avoidance-avoidance as the basis of motivation?

• A. Maslow's Hierarchy
• B. Lewin's Motivational Conflicts Theory
• C. Drive Reduction Theory
• D. Self-Determination Theory

Answer: (B)

Motivation comes from the push and pull of competing wishes inside a person. The idea is that we experience motivational conflicts when we have to choose between different options or when an option has both appealing and costly aspects. These conflicts are the classic approach-approach (two desirable options), approach-avoidance (one option with both attractive and aversive features), and avoidance-avoidance (two unattractive options) situations. In Lewin’s view, these competing forces act like weights in a dynamic field, and the direction of our behavior depends on which forces are stronger at the moment. This framework directly captures why we feel pulled in different directions and how that tug shapes our actions.

Other theories describe why we act—Maslow’s hierarchy talks about needs arranged from basic to higher-level goals, Drive Reduction Theory emphasizes restoring homeostasis, and Self-Determination Theory focuses on intrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs—but they don’t center on the fundamental idea that choosing among options generates motivational conflict in the way Lewin described.