Fathers at Work: Work–Family Conflict, Work–Family Enrichment and Parenting in an Australian Cohort

Amanda R. Cooklin*, Elizabeth M. Westrupp, Lyndall Strazdins, Rebecca Giallo, Angela Martin, Jan M. Nicholson

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Contemporary fathering is characterized by the combined responsibilities of employment and parenting. Relationships between work–family conflict, work–family enrichment, and fathering behaviors have not been widely investigated. Secondary data from fathers of 4- to 5-year-old children participating in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were analyzed (N = 2,679). Results revealed that higher work–family conflict was associated with irritable (β =.06, p <.001), less warm (β = −0.04, p <.01), inconsistent parenting (β = −.07, p <.001), when sociodemographic and child characteristics were controlled for. Protective associations were found between work–family enrichment and optimal parenting behaviors (β =.10 warmth; β = −.05 irritability, p <.01). These results were largely unchanged when mental health was included in analyses. Sole-earner fathers and those employed for long hours were most likely to report high work–family conflict. Findings provide impetus for workplace and public policy to extend optimal, family-friendly employment conditions to all parents, including fathers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1611-1635
    Number of pages25
    JournalJournal of Family Issues
    Volume37
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2016

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Fathers at Work: Work–Family Conflict, Work–Family Enrichment and Parenting in an Australian Cohort'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this