role conflict

n. A state of being in which an organism experiences conflict between contrary behavioral patterns. Usually in humans this results from having more than one behavioral script and being uncertain which one to enact in a given situation. The existence or perception of contradictory expectations from others regarding how one should fulfIll a social role.

Role overload. The existence or experience of such excessive demands and expectations of role incumbents that it is not feasible to meet them. This is the most debilitating problem people report in fulfilling roles.

Role ambiguity. The existence or experience of a lack of clarity regarding the definition of what others expect a role incumbent to do in order to fulfill a role.