Theories indicate that for conflict to happen there have to be incompatible goals and interference. Thus, some theorists have indicated individual or intrapersonal conflict does not exist. Explain why this could be true.

What will be an ideal response?

Students should first recount the components of conflict according to the definition provided in the text. In doing that, students should focus on the component of conflict that indicates there is a need for an expressed struggle, a behavior that can be recognized as “conflict behavior,” in combination with the other elements of the definition—incompatibility of goals, interdependence, and interference, all of which are not present in an intrapersonal case. Additionally, students could relate to Simmel’s theories about society being a web of relationships where conflict is inevitable.