Job characteristics, work-school conflict, and school outcomes among adolescents: testing a structural model

A conceptual model of work-school conflict was developed and tested. This study extends prior adolescent employment research by investigating the process by which job characteristics are associated with school outcomes. Data were obtained from a sample of 319 adolescents (16 to 19 years old) who were full-time students and part-time workers. The model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques. Results supported the hypothesized path model. Job characteristics (workload, number of work hours, and job dissatisfaction) were positively related to work-school conflict. Work-school conflict was negatively related to school readiness. School readiness was positively related to school performance, which was negatively associated with school dissatisfaction. In addition, results support a feedback relation, such that school dissatisfaction is negatively related to school readiness.