dysfunctional tension or apathy . as we mentioned, some tension is crucial to get you to work. but when that tension becomes dysfunctional, your behavior will change. for instance,suppose that initially you gave 100 percent, but didn't fulfill your need. maybe the next time around you try even harder but get the same result. at some point you feel that this is hopeless and just give up (dysfunctional tension). for example suppose for the first exam in this class you studied very hard. unfortunately when you got your exam back you received a D . you're upset but you need to pass this class. so your tension is even greater. you're doing extra thing to learn this material