Reconceptualizing the work-family interface: An ecological perspective on the correlates of positive and negative spillover between work and family.

TLDR

The study aimed to expand the conceptualization of the work‑family interface using ecological theory and identify key correlates of various spillover dimensions. Using ecological theory, the authors constructed an expanded model of work‑family spillover and analyzed its correlates among 1,986 employed adults from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. The analysis revealed that work‑to‑family and family‑to‑work spillover are distinct experiences, with decision latitude and family support linked to less negative and more positive spillover, whereas job pressure and family disagreements were associated with more negative and less positive spillover, and some effects varied significantly by gender.

Abstract

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.