Abstract This paper shows that the main differences between the psychoanalytic and behavioural interpretations of conflict and anxiety are the conceptions, treatments, and perceived causes of both concepts. Broadly, evidences from this paper show that most behaviourists perceive anxiety as a product of social influences, while psychoanalysts say it is a product of psychological influences. Based on these differences, this paper shows that both groups of scientists perceive conflict and anxiety differently. Lastly, this paper shows that psychoanalysts consider conflict as a clash between the id, ego , and super-ego , while behaviourists consider the same concept as a product of environmental influences. Introduction Scholars often categorise theories of anxiety and conflict into groups of psychoanalytic, behavioural, phenomenological, and cognitive theories (Strongman, 1995). Their differences stem from the causes of conflict and anxiety. This paper focuses on two of the above theoretical groups of analysis – psychoanalytic and behavioural theories. Both groups are disciplines in behavioural science, but psychoanalysts mainly specialise in mental processes, as opposed to human activities and interactions (as behavioural scientists do). The structure of this paper explains how both sets of theories explain anxiety and conflict. Anxiety Psychoanalytical View Psychoanalysts often borrow their concepts of anxiety from an Austrian physician, Sigmund Freud (Strongman, 1995). His views on conflict and anxiety stem from childhood influences on adult behaviours and experiences. Stated differently, Freud believes that unresolved childhood issues often explain conflict and anxiety, especially in adult years (TWP, 2014). Therefore, the psychoanalytical views of conflict and anxiety come from mental and emotional disturbances that often manifest as anxiety disorders. Freud (cited in Strongman, 1995) also believes that anxiety disorders stem from people’s inability to understand their irrational drives. Furthermore, he says, often, such people have “defence mechanisms” in their subconscious minds that prevent them from doing so (many psychologists refer to this issue as “psychological resistance”) (Strongman, 1995). Psychological resistance often develops during a person’s childhood because human beings are “helpless” during this phase and their survival mainly depends on adults (their parents). Relative to this developmental period, Longe (2006) says, “It is thought that this early experience of helplessness underlies the most common anxieties of adult life, including fear of powerlessness and fear of being unloved. Thus, symbolic threats can make adults anxious about their sense of competence and significant relationships, even though they are no longer helpless children” (p. 201). Nonetheless, when people become aware of their irrational drives, they can easily overcome these psychological defences and eliminate their symptoms (anxiety). This view largely informs the psychoanalytic treatment of anxiety disorders. Overall, the psychoanalytic view of anxiety has developed many theories and models, including the psychoanalytic model, conflict theory, Freud’s theory, and cognitive theo