Reconceptualizing the Work-Family Interface An Ecological Perspective on the Correlates of Positive and Negative Spillover Between Work and Family

• Published in: Journal of occupational health psychology Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 111 - 126
• Main Authors: Grzywacz, Joseph G, Marks, Nadine F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Educational Publishing Foundation 01-01-2000
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Burnout, Professional - psychology; Conflict (Psychology); Family Relations; Family Work Relationship; Female; Health Surveys; Human; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Social Environment; United States; Working Conditions; United States
• ISSN: 1076-8998; 1939-1307
• DOI: 10.1037/1076-8998.5.1.111

Ecological theory was used to develop a more expanded
conceptualization of the work-family interface and to identify
significant correlates of multiple dimensions of work-family
spillover. Using data from employed adults participating in the
National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (
N
=
1,986), negative spillover from work to family, positive spillover
from work to family, negative spillover from family to work, and
positive spillover from family to work were found to be distinct
work-family experiences. Analyses indicated that work and
family factors that facilitated development (e.g., decision
latitude, family support) were associated with less negative and
more positive spillover between work and family. By contrast, work
and family barriers (e.g., job pressure, family disagreements) were
associated with more negative spillover and less positive spillover
between work and family. In some cases, results differ significantly
by gender.