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Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance01:20

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Frustration occurs when people are obstructed or prevented from achieving a desired goal or fulfilling a perceived need. For example, when someone's input is ignored in a discussion, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Conflict, however, arises from opposing interests, goals, or actions. Conflicts can take various forms based on the nature of these opposing desires or goals.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats
06:57

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats

Published on: February 4, 2016

Predispositions to approach and avoid are contextually sensitive and goal dependent.

Susan Bamford1, Robert Ward

  • 1Wolfson Centre for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, Bangor University, UK. s.bamford@bangor.ac.uk

Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|April 16, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Approach and avoid predispositions are abstract goals, not fixed motor patterns. These responses adapt based on context and desired outcomes, influencing behavior towards stimuli.

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats
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Published on: February 4, 2016

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09:00

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Published on: October 3, 2020

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06:45

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Published on: April 18, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

  • Previous research suggested approach and avoid behaviors are specific motor responses to stimuli.
  • It was claimed that positive stimuli elicit approach (arm extension) and negative stimuli elicit avoidance (contraction).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether approach and avoid predispositions are fixed motor patterns or abstract goal-directed functions.
  • To determine if these response tendencies are context-dependent.

Main Methods:

  • A novel touchscreen paradigm was used to measure response times.
  • Experiment 1 established a congruency effect between stimulus valence and approach/avoid actions.
  • Experiments 2 and 3 manipulated spatial and nonspatial response effects to alter the congruency effect.

Main Results:

  • A significant congruency effect was observed, where participants responded faster to congruent approach-pleasant/avoid-unpleasant stimuli.
  • This congruency effect was reversed by both spatial and nonspatial response manipulations.
  • Involuntary approach and avoid activations were shown to be flexible and context-sensitive.

Conclusions:

  • Approach and avoid predispositions are not rigid motor programs but abstract functions aimed at achieving environmental goals.
  • Behavioral responses are adaptable and modulated by contextual factors and desired outcomes.