Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Work-family conflict among athletic trainers in the secondary school setting
William A Pitney1, Stephanie M Mazerolle, Kelly D Pagnotta
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb 60115, USA. wpitney@niu.edu
Context:
Work-family conflict (WFC) negatively affects a professional's ability to function at work or home.
Objective:
To examine perceptions of and contributing factors to WFC among secondary school athletic trainers.
Design:
Sequential explanatory mixed-methods study.
Setting:
Secondary school.
Patients Or Other Participants:
From a random sample of 1325 individuals selected from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Member Services database, 415 individuals (203 women, 212 men; age = 36.8 ± 9.3 years) provided usable online survey data. Fourteen individuals participated in follow-up interviews.
Intervention(S):
Online WFC questionnaire followed by in-depth phone interviews.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Descriptive statistics were obtained to examine perceived WFC. Pearson product moment correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between work hours, total athletic training staff, and number of children and WFC score. We performed analysis of variance to examine differences between the independent variables of sex and control over work schedule and the dependent variable of WFC score. The a priori α was set at P ≤ .05. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Multiple-analyst triangulation and member checks established trustworthiness of the qualitative data.
Results:
Mean WFC scores were 23.97 ± 7.78 for scale 1 (family defined as having a partner or spouse with or without children) and 23.17 ± 7.69 for scale 2 (family defined as individuals, including parents, siblings, grandparents, and any other close relatives, involved in one's life), indicating moderate perceived WFC. A significant relationship was found between the average hours of work per week and WFC scores: those with less scheduling control experienced more WFC. Two dimensions emerged from the qualitative methods that relate to how WFC is mitigated in the secondary school environment: (1) organizational-having colleagues and administration that understood the role demands and allowed for modifications in schedule and personal time and (2) personal-taking time for oneself and having a family that understands the work demands of an athletic trainer resulted in reduced perceived WFC.
Conclusions:
A large number of work hours per week and lack of control over work schedules affected the perceived level of WFC.
Related Concept Videos
Robbers Cave
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable options,...
Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings