On some complexities in the application of conflict theory to psychotherapy

The present paper discusses several complications which arise in applying Dollard and Miller's analysis of conflict to the study of psychotherapy. Discussed are problems associated with recent theorizing on the nonunitary nature of fear; considerations relevant to the question of why individuals exposed to partial cues for anxiety do not show extinction of the anxiety, generalization of extinction, and increased approach behavior; the role of interpersonal feedback in maintaining neurotic behavior; and the issue of changing golas as therapy proceeds.