Women’s Work-Family Balance in Slovenia: Associations With Job Stress, Division of Labor Satisfaction, and Relational Well-Being

Authors

  • Elizabeth Dorrance-Hall Michigan State University
  • Kelsey Earle Michigan State University
  • Mengyan Ma University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
  • Lorraine Kuch Michigan State University
  • Yue Zhang Michigan State University
  • Katie Osika Michigan State University

Keywords:

relational well-being, work-family conflict, role conflict, Slovenia, support

Abstract

Slovenia has a unique culture because of its high gender equality index but traditional gender roles. As such, the Slovene population is of particular interest regarding communication between romantic partners, especially when interrole conflicts occur because of work-family (WF; when work responsibilities interfere with family) and family-work (FW; when family life interferes with work) conflict. This study explores the associations among job stress, division of labor (DoL), WF and FW conflict, and relational well-being. We surveyed 95 Slovene women in dual-earner couples (married or in lifelong commitments) about their work and family lives. DoL satisfaction was negatively associated with DoL proportion (the share of housework completed by each person) and positively associated with FW conflict. Job stress and WF conflict were positively associated. Only FW conflict was inversely associated with positive relational outcomes. This study provides insight into how Slovene women experience interrole conflict and the potential impact of FW conflict on relational well-being. Implications for relational, gender, and work-life scholars and practitioners are discussed.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth Dorrance-Hall, Michigan State University

Elizabeth Dorrance Hall is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Department at Michigan State University and Director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Family and Interpersonal Communication from Purdue University. Elizabeth's research focuses on communication processes in close relationships, especially in the context of family. 1 (517) 355-9626

Kelsey Earle, Michigan State University

Doctoral CandidateDepartment of Communication

Mengyan Ma, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Lorraine Kuch, Michigan State University

Graduate StudentDepartment of Communication

Yue Zhang, Michigan State University

Graduate StudentDepartment of Communication

Katie Osika, Michigan State University

Graduate Student Department of Communication

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Published

2024-10-29

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Section

Articles