Subjectively perceived negative consequences of work-family interface among employed parents

Abstract

The field of work-family interface research is focused mainly on the issue of role conflict that results from active participation in both, work and family area. Conflict between work and family is defined as a negative interference in the direction from work domain to the family domain (work interferes with family) and in the opposite direction (family interferes with work) and results from 1. (lack of) time, 2. strain, 3. (inadequate) behavior patterns. The current research included 45 couples, which were married or in a relationship where both, the male and female are employed and nurturing at least one child in age between three and twelve years. Subjectively perceived negative aspects of linking work and family roles were examined through structured interviews. As content analysis of responses indicates, the most perceived negative consequence of work-family interface is time-based conflict. Employed parents also perceive the transfer of strain and negative affects between domains.

Keywords

• work role
• family role
• negative aspects of work/family interface
• work/family conflict