Longitudinal Analysis of Work-to-Family Conflict andSelf-Reported General Health among WorkingParents in Germany

Abstract

The combination of work and family roles can lead to work-to-family conflict (WTFC),which may have consequences for the parents’ health. We examined the association between WTFCand self-reported general health among working parents in Germany over time. Data were drawnfrom wave 6 (2013) and wave 8 (2015) of the German family and relationship panel. It includedworking persons living together with at least one child in the household (791 mothers and 723 fathers).Using logistic regressions, we estimated the longitudinal effects of WTFC in wave 6 and 8 onself-reported general healthin wave 8. Moderating effectsof education were also considered. The oddsratio for poor self-reported general health for mothers who developed WTFC in wave 8 compared tomothers who never reported conflicts was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.54–3.68). For fathers with newly emergedWTFC in wave 8, the odds ratio was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.03–3.04). Interactions of WTFC with low educationshowed no significant effects on self-reported general health, although tendencies show that fatherswith lower education are more affected. It remains to be discussed how health-related consequencesof WTFC can be reduced e.g., through workplace interventions and reconciliation policies.