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The Relationship Between Work-to-Family Conflict and Family-to-Work Conflict: A Longitudinal Study

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Abstract

The relationship between work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict was tested using a longitudinal research design with 234 dual-earner couples caring for both children and aging parents. Two waves of mailed survey data were collected. The mediating effects of role-related satisfaction were hypothesized to link these two forms of work-family conflict. The analytical steps for determining mediating effects followed suggestions by Baron and Kenny (1986). The results failed to show significant mediating effects of role-related satisfaction between the two forms of conflict over time for both husbands and wives, contrary to suggestions by Frone, Yardley, and Markel (1997). Instead, positive, direct relationships between the two types of work-family conflict were found. Limitations and implications are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, 71 Frankland Road, Hopkinton, MA, 01748

    Yueng-Hsiang Huang

  2. Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR, 97207-0751

    Leslie B. Hammer & Margaret B. Neal

  3. Oregon Health & Science University, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97201-2941

    Nancy A. Perrin

Authors
  1. Yueng-Hsiang Huang
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  2. Leslie B. Hammer
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  3. Margaret B. Neal
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  4. Nancy A. Perrin
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Huang, YH., Hammer, L.B., Neal, M.B. et al. The Relationship Between Work-to-Family Conflict and Family-to-Work Conflict: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 25, 79–100 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JEEI.0000016724.76936.a1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JEEI.0000016724.76936.a1

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