The Impact of Work Family Conflict on Psychological Well-Being among School Teachers in Malaysia

Abstract

Work–family conflict is an inter-role conflict arising from incompatible pressures from work and family roles (1985). Research has verified repeatedly the negative effects of work-family conflict on employees’ behaviour, emotions and health (see Frone, 2003) underscoring the importance of helping workers to reduce the conflict. To date, few authors have examined work-family conflict among school teacher in collectivistic culture such as Malaysia. There are six dimensions of conflict (time, strain, behaviour) and two directions of work-family conflict (work interference with family and family interference with work). This study examines the levels of work-family conflict among respondents and their differences based on demographic factors such gender, marital status, and type of school. This study also determines the impact of work-family conflict on life satisfaction, mental health, and turnover intentions. This study utilized a survey design using questionnaires to gather the data. A total of responded to the questionnaires. All the data were analyzed using the PASW 18. Means, frequencies, and percentages were used to measure the level of work-family conflict. Meanwhile, t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze differences in the levels of work-family conflict. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine whether work-family conflict predicted life satisfaction, mental health, and turnover intentions. Results show that the level of work interference with family (WIF) is higher compared to the level of family interference with work (FIW) among the respondents. Time dimension the highest level to contribute the level of work-family conflict. Work-family conflict has negative influence on mental health, life satisfaction and mental health. This study provides a discussion on the implication of this research to the development education institutions and for future research.