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Predictors and outcomes of elder-care-based interrole conflict
J Barling1, K E MacEwen, E K Kelloway
1School of Business, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Psychology and Aging
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Full-time employees caring for elderly parents experience role conflicts. Higher involvement in elder care predicts work absenteeism and psychological strain, impacting marital interactions.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Family Studies
- Gerontology
Background:
- Many individuals balance full-time employment with elder care responsibilities.
- Role conflicts arise from the demands of multiple life roles.
- Understanding predictors and outcomes of these conflicts is crucial for employee well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test a model of role conflicts in employed elder caregivers.
- To examine the relationship between elder care involvement, interrole conflict, and work/personal outcomes.
- To investigate the mediating role of psychological strain on marital interactions.
Main Methods:
- A mediational model was proposed and tested.
- Data were collected from 141 full-time employees at two universities.
- LISREL VII was used for statistical analysis of the proposed model.
Main Results:
- The proposed mediational model was strongly supported by the data.
- Physical and psychological involvement in elder care predicted interrole conflict.
- Interrole conflict predicted partial absenteeism and psychological strain.
- Psychological strain subsequently predicted marital interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study validates a model explaining role conflicts for employed elder caregivers.
- Interventions addressing psychological strain may mitigate negative marital outcomes.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between work, family caregiving, and personal well-being.