What term represents the simultaneous existence of conflicting feelings or thoughts about a person, object, or idea?

Ambivalence is the term that accurately describes the simultaneous existence of conflicting feelings or thoughts about a person, object, or idea. It captures the complexity of human emotions where an individual might feel both positive and negative feelings towards the same thing. For example, someone might feel ambivalent about a close friend, loving them dearly while also feeling jealousy or resentment at times. This duality of emotion is intrinsic to many personal experiences.

Paradox refers to a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true, but it does not specifically denote conflicting feelings. Disparity indicates a significant difference or inequality between two things, typically implying judgment rather than the coexistence of emotions. Dissonance often relates to a state of mental discomfort arising from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes but doesn’t directly indicate the presence of dual emotions toward a single entity. Hence, ambivalence is the most precise term to describe the notion of conflicting feelings or thoughts in one context.