Investigating the "Revolving Door": Modeling Work-Family Satisfaction for Female Caregivers in STEM

• In Event: Career Development Through the Life-Span

Abstract

For decades, researchers have highlighted STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or medical) fields’ difficulty retaining diverse workers, often specifically women. Research suggests that women in STEM careers are more likely to stay in their field when external support structures to balance both work and family are present. However, psychologists have noted that investigations should also examine the ways in which women actively utilize coping strategies to negotiate work-family issues. Given the multi-layered stresses female caregivers in STEM manage, coping strategies may play a key role in successful work-family negotiation. To investigate this possibility, multiple structural equation models were conducted modeling the impact of external support and internal coping as influencing both family and occupational satisfaction for STEM women.

Authors

• Erin D. Reilly, The University of Texas - Austin

• Germine Awad, The University of Texas - Austin

• Aaron Rochlen, The University of Texas - Austin