role conflict

noun

1. emotional conflict arising when competing demands are made on an individual in the fulfillment of their multiple social roles.

role conflict

1. A situation in which a person is expected to play two incompatible roles. For example, a boss will suffer role conflict if forced to fire an employee who is also a close friend.

Word History and Origins

Origin of role conflict¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

According to the APA, something they term “traditional masculinity” is shown to limit “males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, resulting in gender role strain and gender role conflict, and negatively influence mental and physical health.”

From Washington Times

“Traditional masculinity ideology has been shown to limit males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict and negatively influence mental health and physical health,” the APA report warns.

From Fox News

“Traditional masculinity ideology has been shown to limit males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict and negatively influence mental health and physical health,” according to the 36-page report, featured in January’s issue of Monitor on Psychology.

From Los Angeles Times

“Traditional masculinity ideology has been shown to limit males’ psychological development, constrain their behavior, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict and negatively influence mental health and physical health,” the report warns.

From Fox News

I “eventually began to feel a role conflict between my role as a military officer and my role as an ordained minister,” he told Democracy Now.

From Salon