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Balancing Caregiving and Work: Role Conflict and Role Strain Dynamics
Judith R Gordon1, Rachel A Pruchno2, Maureen Wilson-Genderson2
1Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
Journal of Family Issues
|March 4, 2020
Summary
This study examined how work interferes with caregiving (WIC) and caregiving interferes with work (CIW) in women aged 50-64. Work demands and support significantly impact role strain in both work and caregiving domains.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Role conflict is a significant issue for many individuals balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
- Understanding the bidirectional nature of this conflict (work interfering with caregiving and vice versa) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antecedents (demands and support) and consequences (role strain) of work-interfering-with-caregiving (WIC) and caregiving-interfering-with-work (CIW).
- To examine these dynamics in a national sample of women aged 50-64 years.
Main Methods:
- Utilized structural equation modeling on data from a national telephone survey of 583 women.
- Analyzed the associations between caregiving/work demands and support with WIC, CIW, and role strain.
Main Results:
- Caregiving demands increased CIW and burden; caregiving support decreased CIW and burden.
- Work demands increased WIC, CIW, and both caregiving and work burden.
- Workplace emotional support reduced WIC, CIW, and work burden.
Conclusions:
- Caregiving role demands and supports do not directly impact work-related role strain.
- Work-related demands and supports significantly influence role strain in both work and caregiving domains.
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