Work-family Conflict, Job Insecurity, and Health Outcomes among U.S. Workers

• In Event: 381 - Section on the Sociology of the Family Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 10. Work and Family: Session II

Abstract

Previous work has highlighted how both forms of work-family conflict (work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict) and job insecurity interfere with health outcomes. Little work, however, considers how these stressors jointly influence health among workers. The current study examines whether job insecurity moderates the relationships between work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict and two health outcomes: self-reported physical health and mental health. Using data from the 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce, we also consider whether these patterns diverge by gender. Our results show that work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict have direct effects on mental and physical health. Additionally, this study finds that the negative effect of work-to-family conflict on mental and physical health is stronger for those with higher job insecurity. Lastly, this study concludes that the moderating effect of job insecurity on the relationship between work-to-family conflict and mental health is stronger for men, whereas the moderating effect of job insecurity on the relationship between work-to-family conflict and physical health is stronger for women. Overall, we make a contribution to the literature by testing the direct effect of both forms of work-family conflict on mental and physical health. We also deepen the understanding of these effects by highlighting the moderating effect of job insecurity and testing whether this moderating effect of job insecurity differs by gender.

Authors

• Deniz Yucel, William Paterson University

• Krista Lynn Minnotte, University of North Dakota