title: Investigating the work-family conflict and health link: Repetitive thought as a mechanism.
abstract: Research is needed to investigate mechanisms linking work-family conflict to poor health in working adults. We took a novel approach to build on extant studies by testing a potential mechanism in these associations - repetitive thought. Data came from a sample of 203 partnered working adults. There were significant direct effects of work-family conflict with lower life satisfaction, positive affect, and perceived health as well as greater fatigue. As for total effects, work-family conflict was significantly associated with all health outcomes - life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, fatigue, perceived health, and chronic health conditions - in the expected directions through repetitive thought. This study provides support that repetitive thought is one potential mechanism of how work-family conflict can take a toll on psychological and physical health. Findings are discussed in relation to improving workplace policies to improve the health of working adults managing work-family conflict.
authors.affiliation: Oregon State University, USA.
authors.forename: Kelly D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Kent State University, USA.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gere
authors.affiliation: Pennsylvania State University, USA.
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sliwinski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D000074222:Rumination, Cognitive; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: mental health; physical health; repetitive thought; work-family conflict