A work-family conflict/subjective well-being process model: a test of competing theories of longitudinal effects.
In the present study, we examine competing predictions of stress reaction models and adaptation theories regarding the longitudinal relationship between work-family conflict and subjective well-being. Based on data from 432 participants over 3 time points with 2 lags of varying lengths (i.e., 1 month, 6 months), our findings suggest that in the short term, consistent with prior theory and research, work-family conflict is associated with poorer subjective well-being. Counter to traditional work-family predictions but consistent with adaptation theories, after accounting for concurrent levels of work-family conflict as well as past levels of subjective well-being, past exposure to work-family conflict was associated with higher levels of subjective well-being over time. Moreover, evidence was found for reverse causation in that greater subjective well-being at 1 point in time was associated with reduced work-family conflict at a subsequent point in time. Finally, the pattern of results did not vary as a function of using different temporal lags. We discuss the theoretical, research, and practical implications of our findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University.
Russell A
RA
Matthews
School of Business, Wake Forest University.
Julie Holliday
JH
Wayne
University at Albany, State University of New York.
Michael T
MT
Ford
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*