Longitudinal Associations Between Maternal Work Stress, Negative Work-Family Spillover, and Depressive Symptoms

Authors: Goodman, W. Benjamin; Crouter, AnnC.

Source: Family Relations, Volume 58, Number 3, July 2009 , pp. 245-258(14)

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Abstract:

The current study examined associations over an 18-month period between maternal work stressors, negative work-family spillover, and depressive symptoms in a sample of 414 employed mothers with young children living in six predominantly nonmetropolitan counties in the Eastern United States. Results from a one-group mediation model showed that a less flexible work environment and greater work pressure predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms and, further, that these associations were mediated by perceptions of negative work-family spillover. Additionally, results from a two-group mediation model suggested that work pressure predicted greater perceptions of spillover only for mothers employed full-time. Findings suggest the need for policies that reduce levels of work stress and help mothers manage their work and family responsibilities.

Keywords: depression; work and families; work/family balance; working mothers

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2009.00550.x

Affiliations: 1: The Pennsylvania State University *

Publication date: 2009-07-01