Stability and Change in Levels of Work–family Conflict: A Multi-study, Longitudinal Investigation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Keywords

change, dynamic equilibrium, job demands-resources, stability, work-family conflict

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1111/joop.12372

Abstract

There has been little theoretical and empirical attention to the role of time in studying levels of work–family conflict. Contrary to theoretical assumptions that work–family conflict is a highly dynamic construct, we borrow from established theories to describe a Stability and Change Model, which posits that work–family conflict levels are primarily stable with some meaningful change over time. The proposed model also outlines predictors of stability (and change) in work–family conflict levels: stability (or change) in-person (i.e., neuroticism) and situational factors (i.e., role demands and, to a lesser extent, resources). Findings across two longitudinal studies with timeframes of 5 months (one-month lags) and 3 years (one-year lags) suggest that 75–80% of the observed variance in work–family conflict levels is stable over mid- to long-term timeframes. In line with our Stability and Change Model, trait-state-occasion modelling results indicate that stability in work–family conflict is primarily due to stability in workload demands and to a lesser extent, personality factors (i.e., neuroticism), but, unexpectedly, not resources. There was some meaningful change in work–family conflict levels over time, primarily due to changes in demands and to a lesser extent, changes in person characteristics. Theoretical, methodological, and analytical considerations for future studies of work–family conflict levels are discussed.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, v. 95, issue 1, p. 1-35

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