Work–Family Care Obstacles and Life Satisfaction among Japanese Working Family Caregivers Living with an Older Care Recipient

Abstract

Introduction The growing obstacles to balancing work and family caregiving responsibilities (work–family care obstacles) have led to heightened difficulties in work–life adjustment among employees, potentially resulting in decreased life satisfaction. Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate whether facing work–family care obstacles is associated with poor life satisfaction and whether it moderates the association between caregiver burden and life satisfaction among working family caregivers in Japan. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 141 family caregivers, all of whom were under 65 years old and living with older long-term care recipients. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the primary and moderating effects of work–family care obstacles on life satisfaction in the context of caregiver burden. Results Experiencing significant work–family care obstacles was associated with poor life satisfaction among employed family caregivers. Moreover, work–family care obstacles exacerbated the relationship between caregiver burden and poor life satisfaction. Family caregivers who faced work–family care obstacles and experienced two or more caregiver burdens exhibited poor life satisfaction (odds ratio = 5.51, 95% confidence interval = [1.97, 15.43]) compared to those who had one or fewer caregiver burden. For family caregivers without work–family care obstacle, the risk of poor life satisfaction did not vary depending on the number of caregiver burdens. Conclusion These findings suggest that work–life adaptation is more important than work–life balance for maintaining feelings of satisfaction in both life and work.