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Article
The Supportive Spouse at Work: Does Being Work-Linked Help?
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
  • Meredith J. Thompson, Utah State University
  • Dawn S. Carlson, Baylor University
  • K. Michele Kacmar, Texas State University
  • Jonathon R. B. Halbesleben, University of Alabama
Document Type
Article
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract

Using a sample of 639 dual-career couples, we examined the role of work-related spousal support on work-family balance and subsequent outcomes for both the job incumbent as well as his or her spouse. We further investigated whether the resource of work-related spousal support contributed to greater balance for those couples who were work-linked (work in same organization, same occupation, or both) and those who were not. We found work-related spousal support contributed to work-family balance and subsequent improved family satisfaction and job satisfaction of the job incumbent. Furthermore, support crossed over to the spouse through increased work-family balance to decrease stress transmission to enhance family satisfaction and reduce relationship tension of the spouse. Implications for researchers and organizational leaders are discussed.

Citation Information
Ferguson, M.,Carlson, D., Kacmar, M., & Halbesleben, J. (2016). “The supportive spouse at work: Does being work-linked help?” Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 21(1): 37-50.