Abstract: This paper provides an in-depth analysis of value conflicts from a psychological perspective, focusing on their background, manifestations, and impact on individual mental health. In today’s society, where globalization and cultural exchange are increasingly prevalent, conflicts between different value systems have become more pronounced. The clash between traditional and modern values, Eastern and Western philosophies, and collectivism versus individualism forms the complex landscape of contemporary value conflicts. This study introduces a novel framework to understand these conflicts by categorizing them into two types: long-term conflicts and immediate conflicts, and by exploring the psychological mechanisms that drive them.
Long-term conflicts arise when individuals hold two conflicting values that are difficult to reconcile, such as collectivist versus individualist values. These conflicts occur when individuals cannot find a balance between these values, leading to sustained psychological stress, anxiety, and eventually a decrease in overall well-being. For instance, research has shown that individuals who highly value family obligations often face emotional distress when trying to pursue personal freedom. This type of conflict has a profound impact on mental health, as the inability to reconcile competing value systems generates ongoing internal tension. Moreover, conflicts between social roles—such as work responsibilities and family commitments—further exacerbate the psychological strain, making it difficult for individuals to manage these competing priorities.
In contrast, immediate conflicts are short-lived but intense, arising when individuals are forced to make decisions between opposing values within a short timeframe. Although the duration of these conflicts is brief, they can generate significant psychological pressure. Experimental studies in controlled settings have demonstrated that tasks requiring individuals to choose between values such as “honesty” and “altruism” often result in increased activation in brain regions related to conflict detection and emotion regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex. These neural responses suggest that value conflicts not only involve cognitive decision-making but also provoke strong emotional reactions, which can contribute to the psychological burden during moments of intense decision-making.
The theoretical contribution of this paper is grounded in two major psychological explanations for value conflicts. The first is the motivational opposition hypothesis, which posits that value conflicts arise because different values represent opposing motivational goals. Drawing from Schwartz’s value theory, this paper explains how self-enhancement values (such as power and achievement) frequently conflict with self-transcendence values (such as benevolence and universalism). These conflicts generate internal motivational tension, as individuals are often forced to choose between their personal success and the welfare of others or society. For example, an individual who values both material success and social harmony may experience prolonged stress as these goals often pull them in different directions.
Secondly, the paper introduces the self-concept consistency theory, which argues that value conflicts threaten individuals’ sense of identity. When people hold incompatible values, their self-concept—how they define and perceive themselves—becomes fragmented, leading to inner tension. For example, individuals who place a high value on both environmental sustainability and materialism face a significant identity conflict, as these values are often seen as contradictory. Psychological discomfort arises when individuals attempt to reconcile these incompatible values. Research suggests that maintaining a consistent self-concept is essential for mental health, and disruptions caused by value conflicts can lead to negative emotions such as guilt, stress, and anxiety.
In conclusion, this paper offers a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding value conflicts and their psychological impact. By distinguishing between long-term and immediate conflicts, and by delving into their underlying mechanisms, this study sheds light on how these conflicts shape individual well-being. The integration of the motivational opposition hypothesis and self-concept consistency theory provides a nuanced understanding of why value conflicts are so impactful on mental health. Furthermore, this framework offers insights into potential avenues for future research, particularly in exploring cultural differences in how value conflicts manifest and their subsequent effects on mental health. The paper suggests that further investigation into therapeutic interventions and conflict resolution strategies could mitigate the negative psychological effects of value conflicts, helping individuals navigate these challenges more effectively.

Key words: values conflicts, value theory, self concept threat, circular continuum of values