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Couple Communication as a Mediator Between Work–Family Conflict and Marital Satisfaction

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Abstract

Using a sample of married individuals employed full-time (N = 1,117), this study examined the mediating effects of constructive and destructive communication between partners on the relationship between work–family conflict and marital satisfaction. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that work–family conflict was significantly and negatively related to marital satisfaction. This relationship became insignificant when constructive and destructive communication were added to the model, evidence for full mediation. This was confirmed with Sobel’s test for mediation. Results suggest that teaching communcation skills may be a potent point of intervention for couples who experience high levels of work–family conflict.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2052 JFSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA

    Sarah June Carroll, E. Jeffrey Hill, Jeremy B. Yorgason, Jeffry H. Larson & Jonathan G. Sandberg

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  1. Sarah June Carroll
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  2. E. Jeffrey Hill
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  3. Jeremy B. Yorgason
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  4. Jeffry H. Larson
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  5. Jonathan G. Sandberg
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Correspondence to E. Jeffrey Hill.

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Carroll, S.J., Hill, E.J., Yorgason, J.B. et al. Couple Communication as a Mediator Between Work–Family Conflict and Marital Satisfaction. Contemp Fam Ther 35, 530–545 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-013-9237-7

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