psychophysiological conflict as a state of tension that arises when the needs of the psyche do not correspond to the limitations of the body or when neurophysiological processes conflict with psychological tendencies. Accordingly, for Merlin, psychophysiological conflict is a complex process in which the biological structure of the personality intersects with psychological and social factors. His research thus represents a starting point for understanding individual differences in adaptability and vulnerability to psychological and psychosomatic disorders. Levels of conflict in Merlin’s theory:
1) Neural level – where the centers of the brain enter into a state of functional competition between excitation and inhibition, causing “functional paralysis” in decision-making.
2) Psychological level – where a person is not able to make a decision due to equality or conflict of motives.
3) Behavioral level – where confusion, hesitation or inconsistency of decisions occur.