Daily expression of workaholism and family outcomes: The buffering and magnifying effects of economic resources

Stress Health. 2023 Feb;39(1):74-86. doi: 10.1002/smi.3169. Epub 2022 Jun 11.

Abstract

Workaholism is increasingly recognized as a potential threat to occupational health. Although most research has conceptualized workaholism as a trait, some research suggests that it may also fluctuate from day to day. Moreover, the effects of the dynamic properties of workaholism on work and family outcomes may be contingent on one's economic situation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the interactive effect of workday workaholism and economic resources on nightly work-family conflict and family engagement. Using experience sampling methodology, we demonstrated that workaholism fluctuates from one day to the next and has detrimental short-term effects on work-family conflict. Additionally, our findings indicated that the interaction between workday workaholism and perceived income adequacy predicted both nighty work-family conflict and family engagement. While the association between workday workaholism and work-family conflict was stronger for those who experienced low income adequacy, the relationship between workaholism and family engagement was stronger for those who exhibited high income adequacy. Similarly, job security buffered the effect of workaholism on work-family conflict. We discuss the theoretical and practice implications of this study as well as recommend future research directions.

Keywords: experience sampling methodology; family engagement; job security; perceived income adequacy; work-family conflict; workaholism.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior, Addictive*
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment
  • Family Conflict
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health*