Family Balance Research Articles

Work–Family Balance Satisfaction of Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Postdoctoral Scholars in the STEM Fields

Postdoctoral scholars encounter challenges as they navigate the gap between graduate school and employment positions, one of which includes the challenge of work–family conflict and balance. We used structural equation modeling to test goal endorsement as a possible cultural moderator of the indirect relationship between work demand and work–family conflict. Results revealed that the indirect effect between work demand and work-family conflict was significant at low, but not high, levels of communal goal endorsement. In turn, work–family conflict was found to be a significant negative predictor of work–family balance satisfaction. Results suggest that minoritized postdoctoral scholars’ high value of communion serves as a protective factor in reducing the deleterious effects of challenging work environments on work–family conflict and satisfaction with work–family balance. Empirical and practical implications of the findings are presented.

Worklife Balance: Social Dynamics of Work Life

Worklife balance is a phenomenon in the social dynamics of work life. Work balance is an important issue in increasing responsibility and balancing work, social and family activities. A company that is committed to creating a work balance that is most liked by employees and will get a good reputation. However, work and family conflict is a dual role for each individual, so work-life balance is important to ensure work effectiveness. Knowing the extent to which family scope can cause work conflicts, work can interfere with family life activities, family life can motivate employee performance and work activities can improve the quality of family life in PT employees. ASABRI (Persero) Semarang Branch. The type used in this research is qualitative through a case study approach to do so. The research method used to obtain data is interviews. Data analysis carried out qualitatively requires interactive activities starting from condensing data, presenting data and drawing conclusions that are carried out on an ongoing basis to meet all the required data. Work-life balance is related to physical and psychological meaning as stability between body and mind. A well-managed job is able to support work activities that can contribute to personal life. Employees who are given the opportunity to manage work life will actually help employees become more focused, productive, and efficient at work while being able to fulfill their personal needs, goals, and responsibilities. Personal life and work affairs are two different things and cannot be mixed up, but both are on the top priority scale that must be done.

Unpacking daily changes in role overload and work–family balance satisfaction: A latent growth modeling approach

AbstractThis study probes the temporal nature of work–family balance satisfaction (WFBS). Drawing on distributed connectionist models and conservation of resources (COR) theory, we hypothesize that changes in work and family overload are positively associated with changes in WFBS, and these relationships are mediated by changes in work and family fatigue, respectively. Additionally, we propose that work and family crafting behaviors (decreasing hindering work and family demands) are helpful in building resources that mitigate the relationships above. We tested these hypotheses by sampling 71 full‐time employees over a work week. The results identified positive relationships between changes in role overload and changes in WFBS. In addition, we found full support for the moderating role of crafting behaviors in the work domain and partial support for the family domain. Further analyses suggested that employees' work and family crafting behaviors (i.e., decreasing hindering demands) buffered the negative effects of changes in work and family overload on changes in work and family fatigue, respectively. Also, decreasing hindering work demands moderated the indirect effect of changes in work overload on changes in WFBS. We discuss theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions.

Exploring the Factors That Influence the Work–Family Interface of Construction Professionals: An Indian Case Study

The objective of this paper is to explore the dynamic factors of the work–family interface (WFI) of construction professionals in South India. It also aims to develop a model of the factors that influence the WFI. This study identified seven factors from the literature: work environment, family, stress, personal satisfaction, work culture, top-level acceptance, and work–family balance. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed among the construction professionals in South India. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. The mean standard deviation and shape measures (skewness and kurtosis) revealed that personal satisfaction (3.55) was rated the top factor for WFI, followed by work–family balance (3.15), stress (2.91), and work culture (2.83). The study found that the work culture was not significantly correlated with work environment, family, stress, personal satisfaction, or top-level acceptance. The developed SEM model emphasises the need to pay keen attention to the work environment and the work–family balance among the construction professionals in India. Management should consider these factors to design standard policies to improve the WFI and design work–life balance strategies to create stability in the lives of construction professionals. The current research is limited to only two cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in South India. More studies must be carried out for more states in India to better understand the current situation of WFI as there is limited evidence of studies on the WFI of construction professionals in India. Therefore, the findings of this study fill the existing knowledge gap and provide a clear insight into improving the mental and social well-being of construction professionals in the Indian construction industry and construction professionals in other developing countries.

When work and family collide: ‘Resource Caravans’ of personal and contextual resources in remote work

AbstractResearch on remote work remains without consensus as to its benefits, with continued questions about which factors may enable it to be more beneficial to employees working remotely. Applying Conservation of Resources theory, we explore the impact of ‘resource caravans’ on ‘work–family balance’ and subsequent ‘well‐being’ in a sample of 446 remote workers. Our findings contribute to ongoing sociological debates by showing exactly how flexibility and control play a role in the remote workplace. Specifically, our model revealed that ‘sense of control’ over home was most beneficial for ‘work–family balance’ among experienced remote workers who had high levels of ‘schedule flexibility’, whereas ‘work–family balance’ benefited from lower levels of ‘schedule flexibility’ among new remote workers. Resources from the home domain were most critical for ‘work–family balance’, which mediated the effects of the ‘resource caravan’ from the home domain on overall employee ‘well‐being’.

Who's minding the children: Gender equity in the first 2 years of the pandemic

AbstractThe wholesale changes brought about by the COVID‐19 pandemic to men and women's paid work arrangements and work–family balance provide a natural experiment for testing the common elements of two theories, needs exposure (Schafer et al. Canadian Review of Sociology/Revue Canadienne De Sociologie, 57(4);2020:523–549) and parental proximity (Sullivan et al. Family Theory & Review, 2018;10(1):263–279) against a third theory also suggested by Schafer et al. (2020), and labelled in this article, entrenchment/exacerbation of gender inequality. Both needs exposure and parental proximity suggest that by being home because of the pandemic, in proximity to their children, fathers are exposed to new and enduring family needs, which may move them toward more equal sharing in childcare and other domestic responsibilities. By contrast to studies that have tested such theories using retrospective, self‐report survey data over a 2‐year period, we analyse more than a decade of time‐use diary data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) that covers the first 2 years of the pandemic. We model the secular and quarterly trends to predict what would have occurred in the absence of the pandemic, contrasting this to what indeed happened. Our analyses consider aggregate and individual impacts, using methods of sequence analysis, clustering, and matching. Among our results, we find that the division of childcare responsibilities did not become more equitable during the pandemic. Suggestions for future research are provided as are suggestions for the implementation of social policies that could influence greater gender equity in unpaid work and childcare.

Perceived Self-Efficacy Effect and Demographic Factors in Work-Family Balance Among Manufacturing Sector Employees

Abstract Work and family are important domains of life to many individuals with each attracting different roles and expectations. Employees who are able to balance work and family responsibilities have been reported to engage more with their work. However, negative work outcomes may result from conflicts among roles. Therefore, this paper investigated the influence of self-efficacy, gender, job status and length of service on work-life balance among employees in selected manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Participants consisted of 464 (female = 25.9%) employees that were randomly selected from manufacturing companies in Lagos state, Nigeria. Participants completed the Work-Family Balance Questionnaire and Self-Efficacy Scale. Results of the Two-Way ANOVA analyses revealed a between subject significant main effect of job status, [F(2,455) = 14.35, p<.05, ƞp2 = .059] and self-efficacy, [F(2, 455) = 7.501, p<.05, ƞp2 = .032] on work-family balance. It further showed a between subject significant main effect of gender, [F(1,458) = 14.68, p<.05, ƞp2 = .031] and a significant main effect of length of service, [F(2, 458) = 4.83, p<.05, ƞp2 = .021] on work-family balance. The study concluded that self-efficacy, job status, length of service and gender influenced the capacity to balance work and family roles among employees of manufacturing companies in Nigeria and thus recommended that management should enable employees to utilize their initiative to an acceptable level to enhance their self-efficacy.

Satisfaction with work–family roles and the relationship with working parents’ life satisfaction: a cross-disciplinary perspective

ABSTRACT In this paper, we provide an innovative conceptualization of the work–family balance, and its implications for mothers’ and fathers’ life satisfaction, by drawing on ‘Self Determination Theory’ and ‘Job Demand-Control–Support’ model for the ‘basic psychological needs’ in partnership, parenting, and work. We analyse whether work and family satisfaction have different meanings for mothers and fathers, and whether it has equal importance in determining overall life satisfaction by gender. Using a sample of dual-earner parents from the third (2010/11) to the eleventh (2018/19) waves of the German Family Panel (pairfam) panel survey. Our results support the idea that self-realization in partnership, parenting, and work are important for both men and for women. However, there is gender difference in the way that work and family satisfaction is conceived and also in the way that the combined satisfaction in these two life spheres affects overall life satisfaction.

Level of malnutrition and associated factors among community-dwelling rural older adults in Fogera Zuriya district, Northwest Ethiopia

ObjectivesMalnutrition is very common among older adults. In rural Ethiopia, around 25% of women and 34% of men ≥65 y of age are malnourished. However, the risk factors for malnutrition among older adults in rural areas are not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the level of malnutrition and associated factors among community-dwelling rural older adults in Fogera Zuriya district, Northwest Ethiopia. MaterialsThis was a community-based, cross-sectional study among randomly selected (N = 634) adults ≥65 y of age in Fogera Zuriya rural district. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A pretested full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to classify as malnourished (MNA score <17), at risk for malnutrition (MNA score 17–23.5), or otherwise normal. A validated Geriatric Depression Scale form (15 items) was used to assess depression. Ordinal logistic regression was employed to identify factors of malnutrition and the PLUM procedure was used to produce an odds ratio (OR). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant with the dependent variable. Both crude and adjusted ORs (COR and AOR, respectively) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval were computed. ResultsThis study included 634 older adults. According to the results of the study, the risk for malnutrition was 383 (60%), and being malnourished was 166 (268%). The following factors were significantly associated with the risk for malnutrition and malnutrition:• Age ≥85 y (AOR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.270–9.465);• Skipping two meals daily (AOR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.11–19.16);• Skipping 1 meal a day (AOR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.82–5.12);• Having a poor appetite (AOR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.50–15.36);• Being depressed (AOR, 4.04; 95% CI, 2.37–6.89);• Low physical activity (AOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.50–9.72);• Family size of three of less members (AOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.14–3.24); and• Low dietary diversity score (AOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.11–3.31) ConclusionsIn this study, the prevalence of malnourished (26%) was almost higher than the national average in Ethiopia (21%). Older age, skipping a meal, poor appetite, depression, low physical activity, and low dietary diversity score were factors significantly associated with the risk for malnutrition and malnutrition. Along with this, improving diet and exercise should be a top priority. Maintaining continuing psychological support, social support, and a balanced family size within the community should be additional interventions.

Fertility‐based employment discrimination and family policy: Evidence from a field experiment

AbstractPrevious studies show that the labour market discriminates against working mothers in the workplace. However, the childfree women have received scant attention and little is known about the discrimination based on potential and actual fertility status. Given the state interventions to help women balance work and family in the form of family policy in many countries, it is important to address how it affects fertility discrimination behaviour in the workplace. This study conducts a correspondence test at an online recruitment platform in China. When it comes to employment, women are more likely than men to be affected by their fertility status. The findings of our experiment reveal that the disclosure of fertility status for childfree women in resumes significantly reduces their likelihood of receiving callbacks from real employers, as compared to resumes of women with children, by ~26.7%. Generous maternity leave policies may encourage discrimination towards childfree women who are of fertile age in non‐mother‐friendly occupation. The employment discrimination affects women who have the potential to become mothers.

A balancing act: sex selection after pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy for first versus second baby.

How often do patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) choose to select for sex and do sex selection rates differ before and after successful delivery of a first baby? When a choice was available between male and female embryos, patients selected the sex more frequently when trying to conceive the second child (62%) as compared to the first child (32.4%) and most commonly selected for the opposite sex of the first child. Sex selection is widely available in US fertility clinics. However, the rate of sex selection for patients undergoing FET after PGT-A is unknown. This is a retrospective cohort study of 585 patients that took place between January 2013 and February 2021. The study took place at a single, urban academic fertility center in the USA. Patients were included if they had a live birth after single euploid FET and returned for at least one subsequent euploid FET. The primary outcomes were the rates of sex selection for first versus second baby. Secondary outcomes were rate of selection for same versus opposite sex as first live birth and overall rate of selection for males versus females. Five hundred and eighty-five patients underwent a total of 1560 single euploid FETs resulting in either one or two live births. A choice between male and female euploid embryos was available for 919 FETs (first child: 67.5% (519/769) versus second child: 50.6% (400/791), P < 0.01). When a choice was available, patients selected the sex more frequently when trying to conceive the second child (first child: 32.4% (168/519) versus second child: 62.0% (248/400), P < 0.01). When sex was selected after first live birth, the opposite sex of the first child was selected 81.8% (203/248 FETs) of the time. Of transfers that involved sex selection, rates of male and female selection were similar for the first child, but selection for females was greater for the second child (first child: 51.2% (86/168) male versus 48.9% (82/168) female, second child: 41.1% (102/248) male versus 58.9% (146/248) female, P < 0.04). The study was performed at one urban academic medical center in the Northeastern US, which may limit generalizability to other settings where PGT-A may be performed less frequently, or sex selection may be limited or not permitted. In addition, we could not reliably account for whether patients or their partners had prior children and if so, of what sex. Patients undergoing PGT-A with both male and female euploid embryos were more likely to select for sex when attempting a second child and usually selected for the opposite sex of their first child. These findings highlight the potential for family balancing for patients who undergo PGT-A in settings where sex selection is permitted. This study received no funding. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

Thoracic Surgery during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - an Interdisciplinary Consensus Paper

If thoracic surgery is to remain an attractive career path for young physicians, it is essential to provide opportunities to balance work, residency, and family time. With an increasing proportion of women in thoracic surgery, it has become increasingly important to create a work environment that allows safe employment during pregnancy and breast feeding becomes an important concern.Based on the legal requirements of the German Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz), this interdisciplinary consensus paper was developed by representatives of thoracic surgery, anaesthesiology, and occupational medicine.The vast majority of thoracic operations can be performed by pregnant or breast-feeding surgeons. We established a risk-stratified list of operations with potentially acceptable risk, and a list of operations that pregnant or breast-feeding surgeons should not perform. A checklist aims to aid the individual implementation of thoracic surgery during pregnancy and breast feeding.Thoracic surgery can be performed by pregnant or breast-feeding surgeons when certain protective measures are observed. The prerequisite is the voluntary and independent decision of the surgeon, and the implementation of safety precautions by the employer.

What if She Earns More? Gender Norms, Income Inequality, and the Division of Housework

We examine the relationship between female contribution to household income and the division of housework between the partners, while accounting for their attitutes towards gender roles. We use data from the “Generation and Gender Survey” for Poland: a country where both employment rates of women and their involvement in housework are high, men and women work long hours, and labour market regulation and policies are unsupportive of work− family balance. We find that the female share of total household income is negatively related to women’s heavy involvement in housework. The direction of this relationship does not change when women earn more than their partners, so there is no support for the gender deviance neutralization hypothesis. We also find that individual gender norms matter for women’s involvement in unpaid work at home, and the uncovered link between the female share of household income and inequality between the partners in the division of housework. Women from less traditional households are more likely to share housework equally with their partners. Among couples with traditional gender attitudes, the female contribution to household income is not related to the division of housework. We conclude that narrowing gender pay gaps may be an important step towards more equality not only at work but also at home.

Gender gaps in South Korea’s labour market: children explain most of the gender employment gap, but little of the gender wage gap

ABSTRACT South Korea’s gender wage and employment gaps are among the largest in the OECD. Using labour force survey data over 2010–19, we estimate gender wage and employment gaps, and child earnings penalties, for women aged 25–54. We show (i) that the large gender gaps in South Korea’s labour market are mostly not a function of differential sorting by gender along education, occupation, or industry lines, (ii) that caring for children (and, perhaps increasingly, for the elderly) is the major factor inhibiting women’s labour force participation, and (iii) that large gender wage gaps exist even for women without care responsibilities. These findings suggest that improving opportunities for work–family balance is crucial to helping increase women’s labour force participation, but may do little to close gender wage gaps: other major obstacles also appear to stand in the way of Korean women’s full inclusion in the labour force.

Reconciling work-family balance among Moroccan immigrant women in Spain: Socioeducational aspects

In Spain, Moroccan immigrant women constitute one of the largest and most important migrant groups. They face a series of obstacles when trying to balance family and work. This research aims to discover the perceptions of economically active and inactive Moroccan immigrant women concerning work-family and gender balance, childcare in the home, and the use of childcare and early education centres in Spain. A quantitative methodology was employed. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 388 Moroccan immigrant women in Spain. SPSS v. 27 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. Most of employed respondents are dissatisfied with their work-life balance. Mothers (employed and non-employed) are mainly responsible for the care of their children. Non-believers and those of a higher socio-economic status are more in favour of gender equality in the family and workplace. Childcare support policies are needed that guarantee appropriate personal, family, work, and gender balance.

0092 Barriers and facilitators of sleep health in family caregivers of persons living with dementia: A qualitative study

Abstract Introduction Family caregivers of persons with dementia (PLwD) commonly report poor sleep health. Existing effects of sleep interventions are mixed and may not have addressed unique issues experienced by caregivers of PLwD. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to get a good night's sleep for these caregivers is imperative for developing acceptable and effective interventions to improve sleep health in this population. Methods This was a secondary data analysis that used a qualitative descriptive design and aimed to explore sleep characteristics and experiences in family caregivers of PLwD. The current study used the same study design to explore barriers and facilitators of good sleep. Using a semi-structured interview, 19 family caregivers of PLwD who provided unpaid caregiving &amp;gt; 4 hours a day with insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index &amp;gt; 5) participated in this study. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Codes and themes were identified. Results Caregivers, on average, were 64 years old and primarily female (57.9%), Caucasian (68.4%), and spouses (78.9%). In general, caregivers of PLwD reported that the caregiving role negatively influenced and changed their sleep. Themes associated with barriers to good sleep included 1) PLwD’s sleep problems, including a need for increased vigilance for the PLwD, 2) stress associated with balancing work and family responsibilities with caregiving, and 3) caregiver's sleep problems, such as the use of CPAP, having a history of sleep problems before the caregiving role, and changes of sleep patterns with aging. Participating in regular exercise and practicing mindfulness activities (e.g., breathing, meditation or yoga) were themes associated with facilitators of good sleep. Maintaining good sleep hygiene habits (e.g., no caffeine and no daytime naps) and avoiding bad sleep hygiene habits (e.g., watching TV in the bedroom or using an electronic device in bed) were also identified as facilitators of good sleep. Conclusion Caregivers of PLwD reported poor sleep but identified multiple modifiable factors that could be used for interventions to improve sleep. These interventions can be at individual, dyadic, or family levels to best impact caregivers’ sleep. Support (if any) This study was supported by a research supplement to support diversity in health-related research awarded to Glenna Brewster (R01AG054079, PIs: Hepburn/Griffiths)

Work–family balance and job satisfaction: An analysis of Canadian psychologist mothers.

Work–family balance and job satisfaction: An analysis of Canadian psychologist mothers.

앤드류 니콜의Good Kill에 나타난 드론 전쟁의 부당성에 대한 저항

Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States turned to drone warfare in its fight against terrorism, as drones proved to be both cost-effective and politically safer than manned fighter jets. The Obama administration, believing in the effectiveness and morality of drones, expanded and intensified drone operations compared to its predecessor. However, Andrew Niccol’s 2014 film, Good Kill, uncovers the injustices of the CIA-led drone strikes and the growing opposition against them. The movie highlights the psychological burden on drone pilots, who face an identity crisis due to their detachment from direct combat, and struggle to balance family life with the stress of participating in unequal warfare. Their families, unable to help alleviate the pilots’ psychological anxiety, instead experience crises brought on by the pilots’ stress.BR Additionally, the film emphasizes the undemocratic nature of CIA-led drone warfare, characterized by a lack of transparency and limited oversight by the public, media, and Congress. The CIA’s arbitrary application of signature strikes and threats of imminent attacks has led to civilian casualties, the division of communities, and the violation of international law. Drone strikes have been conducted within the territories of non-conflicting countries such as Pakistan and Yemen, undermining their sovereignty. These actions have fueled anti-American sentiment, support for extremist militants, and violent counterattacks against U.S. drone strikes, leading to a vicious cycle of violence and global instability.BR In response, the film’s protagonist, Tommy, sympathizes with his co-pilot, Suarez, and decides to sabotage the CIA’s operation arbitrarily applying the principles of signature strikes and proportionality. He makes an overt protest against drone warfare by leaving the military. Ultimately, Good Kill warns of the danger posed by drone warfare and calls for a ban on armed drones to prevent further proliferation and to protect the world from uncontrollable dangers.

Investigating Black/African-American Medical Student Interest in Neurology as a Profession (P6-2.001)

Investigating Black/African-American Medical Student Interest in Neurology as a Profession (P6-2.001)

Perceived parenting styles and child personality: A Qatari perspective

Parenting is a determinant of children’s behaviors and personalities. However, parenting styles differ across societies and among individuals and depend on culture, level of education, and income. This paper examined the impact of parenting styles on child development in Qatar. We used the links among socioeconomic factors, parent—child relationships, and child outcomes in identifying parenting styles. The data were collected using a national survey conducted in 2017. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling. The results showed how differences between maternal and paternal parenting styles and work—family balance influence childrearing and children’s personalities. The findings call for mechanisms aimed at generating foundational policies and awareness programs to encourage parents to adopt positive parenting practices.