Mary works full-time at an office downtown while her young children stay at a neighbor’s house. She’s just learned that the childcare provider is leaving the country. Mary has succumbed to pressure to volunteer at her church, plus her ailing mother-in-law will be moving in with her next month. Which of the following is likely to occur as Mary tries to balance her existing and new responsibilities?

 Options:

a. Role strain b. Self-fulfilling prophecy c. Status conflict d. Status strain

The Correct Answer Is:

a. Role strain

Correct Answer Explanation: a. Role strain

Mary’s situation is one of juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, which often leads to role strain. Role strain occurs when conflicting demands arise within a single role, or when someone struggles to meet the expectations of multiple roles they occupy simultaneously.

In Mary’s case, she’s facing several simultaneous challenges: her full-time job, the sudden loss of her childcare provider, pressure to volunteer at her church, and the impending responsibility of caring for her ailing mother-in-law. These responsibilities can clash and create stress and tension as she tries to fulfill each role effectively.

Let’s delve into why the other options self-fulfilling prophecy, status conflict, and status strain are not the most accurate descriptions of Mary’s situation:

b. Self-fulfilling prophecy:

This concept refers to a belief or expectation that influences behavior in a way that brings about its fulfillment. Mary’s situation doesn’t align precisely with a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Her challenges stem more from external factors such as sudden changes in her childcare arrangements and increased familial responsibilities, rather than being driven primarily by her beliefs or expectations.

c. Status conflict:

Status conflict arises when there’s a discrepancy or clash between different positions or statuses that a person holds.

While Mary is indeed managing multiple roles and responsibilities, the core issue isn’t necessarily a conflict between her statuses (e.g., her role as a mother, an employee, a caregiver, etc.). Instead, it’s the strain resulting from trying to balance and meet the expectations associated with these roles simultaneously.

d. Status strain:

Status strain refers to tensions arising from conflicting demands within a single role or status. However, Mary’s situation involves multiple roles with conflicting demands rather than tension within a specific role.

Her challenges stem from the overlap and clash between her responsibilities as a mother, an employee, a volunteer, and a caregiver, creating strain across these various roles.

In summary, Mary is likely to experience role strain as she navigates the complexities of her various responsibilities. The pressure to fulfill these roles simultaneously, compounded by unexpected changes, puts her in a position where meeting the expectations associated with each role becomes challenging and stressful.

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