CROSSOVER OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS IN DUAL-CAREER COUPLES

Abstract

This study considers the source, nature and direction of ‘crossover’ of occupational stressors and strains in a sample of 74 dual-career couples. It examines patterns and habits of discussion about work between partners and investigates the role of partner communication and job commitment in the crossover process. Contrary to previous research findings which suggest that the direction of crossover is predominantly from men to their female partners, positive relationships were found between women's work stressors and the anxiety and depression reported by their male partners. Only modest evidence of crossover from men to women was found. Work demands were linked to the crossover process for both men and women but, unlike the findings of previous studies, supportive features of the working environment failed to predict crossover between partners. The nature and frequency of marital communication about work was associated with crossover, as was job commitment and satisfaction. The implications of these findings for the psychological health and functioning of dual-career couples are discussed, and recommendations for future research that might further elucidate the crossover process are made.

Cette étude porte sur l'origine, la nature et la direction de ‘l'influence réciproque’ des sources de stress et des tensions liées au travail dans un échantillon de 74 couples à double carrière. Elle examine les modèles et les habitudes de discussion à propos du travail entre partenaires et enquête sur le rôle que peuvent avoir la communication entre les époux et le dévouement au travail dans le processus d'influence réciproque. Au contraire de précédents résultats qui suggèrent que la direction de l'influence est en général de l'homme sur sa partenaire, cette étude met en évidence une relation positive entre le stress professionnel de la femme et l'anxiété et la dépression rapportées par leur partenaire masculin. En comparaison l'influence de l'homme sur la femme est modeste. Les exigences du travail comptent pour beaucoup dans l'interaction entre partenaires aussi bien pour les hommes que pour les femmes mais, contrairement aux résultats de précédentes études, l'environnement professionnel ne semble pas jouer de rôle dans l'interaction entre les époux. La nature et la fréquence de la communication entre les époux ainsi que le dévouement et la satisfaction au travail sont associés à l'interaction entre les partenaires. Les implications de ces résultats pour la santé psychologique et le bon fonctionnement de couples à double carrière sont discutées et des recommandations concernant les recherches futures permettant de progresser davantage dans la compréhension de l'influence réciproque du stress professionnel entre époux sont avancées.

Keywords:

• work stress
• dual-career couples
• crossover
• le stress professioner
• couples a double carriere
• l'influence reciproque des source de stress

Notes

Sophie Crossfield graduated from University of Hertforshire with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. She works in organizational development consultancy for CPA (Holdings) Ltd and is currently studying for an LLB at the UH School of Law. Address: Department of Psychology/CPA (Holdings) Ltd, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.

Gail Kinman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Luton, UK. She conducts research into aspects of job stress, work–life balance and the nature and impact of emotional demands in the workplace. Address: Department of Psychology, University of Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JU, UK. [email: [email protected]]

Fiona Jones is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK. She is a Chartered Health Psychologist and conducts research on the topic of work stress and on health behaviours. Address: School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sophie Crossfield

Sophie Crossfield graduated from University of Hertforshire with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. She works in organizational development consultancy for CPA (Holdings) Ltd and is currently studying for an LLB at the UH School of Law. Address: Department of Psychology/CPA (Holdings) Ltd, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. Gail Kinman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Luton, UK. She conducts research into aspects of job stress, work–life balance and the nature and impact of emotional demands in the workplace. Address: Department of Psychology, University of Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3JU, UK. [email: [email protected]] Fiona Jones is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK. She is a Chartered Health Psychologist and conducts research on the topic of work stress and on health behaviours. Address: School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK