What defines "role conflict"?

Role conflict is defined as the situation where an individual experiences incompatible demands stemming from different social roles that they occupy. This often occurs when the expectations associated with one role clash with those of another role, creating tension and uncertainty about how to behave or respond in a given situation.

For instance, a person who is both a parent and an employee may find themselves in a situation where their duties as a parent conflict with work obligations, such as needing to attend an important meeting while their child requires care. This conflicting requirement results in stress and a challenge in prioritizing responsibilities.

The other options focus on aspects that do not fully capture the essence of role conflict. Adjustment to a single social role reflects adaptation within one role without the complication of multiple roles. Coping with external expectations emphasizes how individuals deal with societal pressures but does not specifically illustrate the conflict arising from competing roles. Lastly, concern about personal values addresses an internal struggle and does not necessarily relate to the external expectations and conflicts that arise from interacting social roles. Thus, the assessment of role conflict fundamentally revolves around the competing demands from various social roles, making the identification of this correct.