Intrapsychic conflicts, although neglected for a long time by clinical cognitivism, are a key issue of analysis to enrich our understanding of psychopathological processes and human suffering. In the present work, based on a finalistic view of human motivation, we distinguish three types of conflict: a) conflicts between separate mental states; b) conflicts within the same mental context; c) conflicts pertaining evaluations. We will review the basic psychological processes involved in the generation and perseverance of conflicts such as framing, psychological distance and mental contexts. Potential strategies to promote the resolution of intrapsychic conflicts will be examined with particular emphasis on acceptance of the loss.
Keywords: Intrapsychic conflict, acceptance, goals, preference reversal parole.