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Ambivalence – Meaning, Causes & Therapy

Ambivalence refers to the simultaneous experience of contradictory feelings or thoughts. In psychology, it is a key concept in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

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Things worth knowing about "Ambivalence"

Ambivalence refers to the simultaneous experience of contradictory feelings or thoughts. In psychology, it is a key concept in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

What is Ambivalence?

Ambivalence refers to the simultaneous presence of contradictory feelings, thoughts, desires, or attitudes toward a person, situation, or decision. The term derives from the Latin ambo (both) and valentia (strength) and was introduced in the early 20th century by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. In everyday life, many people experience ambivalence occasionally — for example, feeling both joy and sadness at the end of an important life chapter. In clinical psychology and psychiatry, however, ambivalence carries a specific diagnostic and therapeutic significance.

Types of Ambivalence

Emotional Ambivalence

Emotional ambivalence occurs when a person simultaneously experiences opposing feelings toward the same object or person, such as love and hate toward a close individual. This phenomenon is common in intimate relationships and is considered normal to a certain degree.

Cognitive Ambivalence

Cognitive ambivalence arises when a person holds contradictory beliefs or thoughts about the same subject at the same time. This can significantly complicate decision-making and lead to persistent internal conflict.

Motivational Ambivalence

Motivational ambivalence describes the simultaneous presence of approach and avoidance tendencies toward a goal or behavior. It plays a central role in Motivational Interviewing, a therapeutic technique widely used in the treatment of addictions and behavior change interventions.

Ambivalence in Psychiatry and Psychology

In clinical practice, ambivalence is a defining feature of several mental health conditions:

Schizophrenia: Eugen Bleuler described ambivalence as one of the fundamental symptoms of schizophrenia. Those affected may experience extreme and paralyzing contradictions in their feelings, thoughts, and will.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Intense emotional ambivalence, particularly in interpersonal relationships, is a hallmark feature of this condition.
Anxiety Disorders and Depression: Ambivalence toward treatment and change can complicate the therapeutic process.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Ambivalent thought patterns contribute to the experience of compulsion and inner tension.

Ambivalence and Therapy

Identifying and addressing ambivalence is an essential component of many psychotherapeutic approaches. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the focus is on identifying and resolving contradictory cognitions. In Motivational Interviewing, ambivalence is not viewed as an obstacle but as a normal part of the change process. Therapists help patients explore their conflicting feelings and strengthen their motivation for change without applying pressure.

Ambivalence in Everyday Life

A certain degree of ambivalence is part of normal human experience and does not indicate a mental health disorder. However, it can become burdensome when it makes decision-making impossible, leads to prolonged internal stress, or places significant strain on relationships. In such cases, professional psychological support may be beneficial.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If ambivalence significantly impairs daily life, work, or important relationships over an extended period, it is advisable to consult a doctor or psychotherapist. Early professional help is especially important when there are signs of an underlying mental health condition.

References

Bleuler, E. (1911). Dementia Praecox or the Group of Schizophrenias. Leipzig: Deuticke.
Miller, W. R. & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. 3rd edition. New York: Guilford Press.
American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: APA.

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