Ambivalence: quick facts
Ambivalence is the state of holding contradictory feelings about the same person, choice, or situation at once — for example, feeling both drawn to and wary of something. Rather than a single clear emotion, it is a…
Category
Moods & related states
Valence
Neutral
Emotion family / blend
Low arousal
Typical triggers
Mixed feelings, conflicting desires, situations with pros and cons
How it's expressed
Hesitant posture, shifting expression, qualified speech, divided focus
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.