Work–Family Interface Profiles and Their Associations with Personal and Social Factors among South Korean Dual-Earner Parents

Abstract

The work–family interface literature has focused on a variable-centered approach, and few studies have used a person-centered approach to investigate work–family interface types and their associations with psychosocial factors. This study explored whether distinct work–family interface types could be identified at a dyadic level in dual-earner couples by combining work–family conflict (WFC) and enrichment (WFE) for both parents. It also examined how these couples’ comprehensive types of work–family interface were related to psychosocial outcomes. Conducting a latent profile analysis in a sample of 558 dual-earner couples (Mage: 40.43 ± 4.07 years for fathers, 37.97 ± 3.57 years for mothers) with first-grade children in elementary schools participating in the Panel Study on Korean Children, this study identified three work–family interface profiles: Beneficial fathers/Moderate active mothers (fathers reporting low WFC and high WFE/mothers reporting moderate WFC and WFE), Beneficial (both parents reporting low conflict and high enrichment), and Harmful (both parents reporting high conflict and low enrichment). Fathers’ education, household income, and social support influenced their membership in work–family interface profiles. Overall, members with Beneficial fathers/Moderate active mothers and Beneficial profiles showed more positive personal and family outcomes than those with Harmful profiles.