What does role conflict occur from?

Role conflict arises from the existence of multiple roles that an individual occupies, where the expectations of these roles may contradict or compete with one another. For example, a person might simultaneously be a parent, an employee, and a student, each role carrying its own set of expectations and responsibilities. When a situation arises that requires the individual to fulfill conflicting demands from these different roles, it creates a sense of tension and difficulty in managing the various expectations.

This multifaceted nature of an individual's roles leads to scenarios in which fulfilling one role can hinder or clash with obligations related to another. Thus, the correct answer is rooted in the idea that it is the overlap and conflict between different roles that defines role conflict. Understanding this foundational concept can help clarify how individuals navigate complex social landscapes and manage their various commitments.