The Impact of Work–Family Conflict on Children in Dual-Earner Families: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Keywords:
Work–family conflict, dual-earner families, children’s well-being, thematic analysis, family stress, parental availability
Abstract
Although work–family conflict has been extensively studied over the years, research in this area continues to focus predominantly on its consequences. Incompatibility between work and family roles often leads to conflict, resulting in negative outcomes both in the workplace and within the home environment. This study examines the effects of work-family conflict on children from dual-earner households. The primary objective of this study is to comprehend the impact of work-family conflict on the offspring of dual-earners. A qualitative study design was utilised, employing thematic analysis of data gathered from ten dual-earners via semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The result identified multiple causes and effects of work-family conflict that directly affect children. These findings underscore the importance of comprehending how dual-earner interactions affect child well-being. The knowledge acquired from this study is significant and beneficial for subsequent research and practice. To properly tackle this issue, it is imperative to implement complete coping mechanisms. This study shows that researchers and policymakers should pay more attention to how work-family conflict affects children in unique ways.
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References
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Helena Moreira, Ana Fonseca, Brigida Caiado, Maria Cristina Canavarro (2019), Work-Family Conflict and Mindful Parenting: The Mediating Role of Parental Psychopathology Symptoms and Parenting Stress in a Sample of Portuguese Employed Parents, Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00635
Hess, S., & Pollmann-Schult, M. (2020). Associations between mothers’ work-family conflict and children’s psychological well-being: The mediating role of mothers’ parenting behavior. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 1561-1571.
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Johnson, J., Hall, L. H., Berzins, K., Baker, J., Melling, K., & Thompson, C. (2018). Mental healthcare staff well-being and burnout: A narrative review of trends, causes, implications, and recommendations for future interventions. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 27(1), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12416
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Kerr, C., Nixon, A., & Wild, D. (2010). Assessing and demonstrating data saturation in qualitative inquiry supporting patient-reported outcomes research. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res, 10(3), 269-281. https://doi.org/10.1586/erp 10.30
Le, H., Newman, A., Menzies, J., Zheng, C., and Fermelis, J. (2020). Work–life balance in Asia: a systematic review. Human Resource Management. Rev. 4:100766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100766
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Liu, H., Wang, Q., Keesler, V., & Schneider, B. (2011). Non-standard work schedules, work–family conflict, and parental well-being: A comparison of married and cohabiting unions. Social Science Research, 40(2), 473-484. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2010.10.008
Lund, T. J. (2012). Work-family conflict and family stress processes: Developmental implications for youth social-emotional functioning. Boston College.
Mathieu, C., & Mathieu (2011). The impact of work-family conflict on the intention to quit the job in a sample of medical residents. Academy of Health Care Management, 8 (2), 43
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Published
2025-09-13
How to Cite
Jacob, G. A. D., Saidon, J., & Omar, N. F. (2025). The Impact of Work–Family Conflict on Children in Dual-Earner Families: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis. Information Management and Business Review, 17(3(I), 292-304. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v17i3(I).4688
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