Work-Family Conflict: Does Romance Matter?

Work-Family Conflict: Does Romance Matter? by Christie M. Charles MS, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2003 BS, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1999 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2017 Abstract Research has shown that being in a romantic relationship has related negatively with work-family conflict. Using social exchange theory, the investment model, and role theory, this study examined the relationships among the dimensions of perceived partner support, romantic relationship interdependence, and work-family conflict. A sample of 192 adults in paid employment, currently involved in a romantic relationship, were recruited from SurveyMonkey Contribute. Study participants completed online a demographic survey, the revised Support in Intimate Relationships Rating Scale (SIRRS), the Investment Model Scale, and work-family conflict scales. Correlation analyses showed that work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict correlated negatively with commitment and positively with quality of alternatives as hypothesized. As hypothesized, regression analyses showed that quality of alternatives and informational support explained unique variance in work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict and that commitment explained unique variance in family-to-work conflict. PROCESS mediation analyses showed partial support for the hypothesis of mediation. Quality of alternatives and commitment mediated the relationships between esteem/emotional support and family-to-work conflict and instrumental/tangible support and family-towork conflict. Quality of alternatives mediated the relationships between informational support and work-to-family conflict, informational support and family-to-work conflict, and instrumental/tangible support and work-to-family conflict. The findings contribute to positive social change by offering added knowledge about the occurrence of work-family issues in the lives of employees representing a large percentage of the workforce.Research has shown that being in a romantic relationship has related negatively with work-family conflict. Using social exchange theory, the investment model, and role theory, this study examined the relationships among the dimensions of perceived partner support, romantic relationship interdependence, and work-family conflict. A sample of 192 adults in paid employment, currently involved in a romantic relationship, were recruited from SurveyMonkey Contribute. Study participants completed online a demographic survey, the revised Support in Intimate Relationships Rating Scale (SIRRS), the Investment Model Scale, and work-family conflict scales. Correlation analyses showed that work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict correlated negatively with commitment and positively with quality of alternatives as hypothesized. As hypothesized, regression analyses showed that quality of alternatives and informational support explained unique variance in work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict and that commitment explained unique variance in family-to-work conflict. PROCESS mediation analyses showed partial support for the hypothesis of mediation. Quality of alternatives and commitment mediated the relationships between esteem/emotional support and family-to-work conflict and instrumental/tangible support and family-towork conflict. Quality of alternatives mediated the relationships between informational support and work-to-family conflict, informational support and family-to-work conflict, and instrumental/tangible support and work-to-family conflict. The findings contribute to positive social change by offering added knowledge about the occurrence of work-family issues in the lives of employees representing a large percentage of the workforce. Work-Family Conflict: Does Romance Matter? by Christie M. Charles MS, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2003 BS, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1999 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to the persons who make all things possible, my God and my Lord Jesus Christ. As with everything else I do in life, I offer this product as a representation of what is possible due to your love and glory. I thank you for giving me the strength, courage, and perseverance to complete this study. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you daily and to live fully the purposeful life you have given me. This dissertation is dedicated also to my greatest and most powerful Earthly supporters, my family members. As my father, mother, and two brothers; you have provided me with continued support, even when that support accompanied much sacrifice. In your own unique way, each of you has helped me to reach this major milestone in my life. Because of your unconditional positive regard, I have been able to continue on my journey of realizing my fullest potential. I share this accomplishment with all of you because this would have not been possible or worthwhile without any of you. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of my committee members. I could not have asked for better scholar-practitioners who promote positive social change than Dr. Vincent J. Fortunato, Dr. Maxwell Rainforth, Dr. Christopher Van Ness, and Dr. Barbara S. Chappell. I would like to acknowledge specifically my chair and mentor, Dr. Fortunato. Dr. Fortunato, you have played an integral role in my professional and personal development. I will be forever grateful for the time, energy, and the encouragement you have given me over the last couple of years. I also would like to acknowledge the efforts of my colleagues at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and at Stuller, Inc. You have been so supportive of my educational endeavors and my desires for professional and personal development. I cannot express enough how much your words of encouragement and your actual assistance have meant to me during this lengthy process. I am forever indebted. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the remaining individuals directly or indirectly responsible for my success. I would like to thank those who gave me permission to use any copyrighted materials, those who participated as subjects in my study, and those who contributed to the development and completion of my study. I would not have been able to complete this project without your assistance. To my friends, students, extended family members, and everyone else I did not mention but contributed in some fashion to the successful completion of this dissertation, I want you to know I acknowledge your contributions and celebrate this milestone with you as well.