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Work and Family Conflict: An Often Overlooked Issue in Couple and Family Therapy

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Abstract

Despite the systemic interaction, family-based journals, as well as intake and assessment forms most frequently used by couple and family therapists (CFTs), have given a limited amount of attention to the issue of work and family conflict. Moreover, a review of the literature indicated that many CFTs perceive themselves as inadequately prepared to assist couples and families with work and family conflict. Addressing this apparent limitation, the present study identified various work stressors that contributed to family conflict (WFC), and the family stressors that contributed to work conflict (FWC). Results revealed significant predictors of WFC and FWC. Implications for CFTs and recommendations for changes in academic training and supervision are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Counseling and Assessment Services, 2404 Forest Drive, Des Moines, Iowa, 50312

    Anthony W. Tatman

  2. Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, USA

    Alan J. Hovestadt

  3. Western Michigan University, USA

    Paul Yelsma

  4. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, USA

    David L. Fenell

  5. Department of Human Development, Southeastern Louisiana University, USA

    Brian S. Canfield

Authors
  1. Anthony W. Tatman
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  2. Alan J. Hovestadt
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  3. Paul Yelsma
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  4. David L. Fenell
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  5. Brian S. Canfield
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anthony W. Tatman.

Additional information

The authors would like to thank Dr. Gary Bischof, Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Marriage and Family Therapy program Director at Western Michigan University, for editorial comments made on a previous version of this paper.

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Tatman, A.W., Hovestadt, A.J., Yelsma, P. et al. Work and Family Conflict: An Often Overlooked Issue in Couple and Family Therapy. Contemp Fam Ther 28, 39–51 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9693-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9693-4

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