Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the anxiety of visiting the dentist. Since both choices are unappealing, people often try to delay making a decision, hoping the problem will resolve on its own. Another example might involve choosing between undergoing risky back surgery or living with chronic pain. Many people delay the decision, waiting for the pain to subside.

In avoidance-avoidance conflict, individuals are driven to escape two negative but mutually exclusive situations. For example, a student might face such a conflict if a teacher consistently belittles them, yet leaving the class would risk a penalty like losing marks. This creates significant stress, as avoiding one negative outcome inevitably leads to another, making the person feel trapped.

In contrast, a double approach-avoidance conflict involves choosing between two options, each with both positive and negative aspects. An example would be deciding whether to buy a house in the countryside or the city. A country house offers privacy, fresh air, and peace but comes with a long commute to work. A city house provides easier access to one's job but comes with downsides like pollution and noise. The presence of pros and cons in both options often leads to indecision and hesitation.