Which term describes the psychological process of balancing personal needs with social expectations?

The correct term that describes the psychological process of balancing personal needs with social expectations is role conflict. Role conflict occurs when an individual faces competing demands from different societal roles or expectations. This can lead to stress and confusion as a person tries to harmonize their own desires and needs with what is expected of them in various social contexts, such as family, work, or community.

In situations of role conflict, individuals might feel torn between fulfilling their personal goals or aspirations and meeting the obligations or expectations that society imposes on them. For instance, a person may want to pursue a career that requires long hours but also feel social pressure to spend time with family.

While self-actualization relates to realizing one's potential and pursuing personal growth, it does not specifically address the conflict between personal desires and external expectations. An identity crisis typically involves confusion about one’s self-concept and may arise during periods of transition but does not specifically focus on balancing personal needs with societal demands. Self-concept refers to an individual's perception of themselves, which may influence their understanding of social roles, but it does not encapsulate the conflict that arises from competing pressures.