Die schwierige Vereinbarung von Familie und Beruf: Eine italienische Studie [Fronteggiare la difficile composizione di famiglia e lavoro: uno studio italiano]

Based on a matched pairs research design, the purpose of the present study was to investigate risks and resources of the work-family interface (WFC/FWC) during the earliest phases of the family life cycle. Comparing the perceptions of husbands and wives, this cross-sectional study examined the impact of work-family-conflict on the individual and couple well-being as well as on a range of work-family coping strategies. Using a random sample of 279 dual-earner young married couples from the north of Italy (childless / with 1 preschooler / with 2 preschoolers), seven MANOVA models were tested through self-report data. Consistently with previous research, the findings indicated that wives experienced a greater amount of family interfering with work demands and obligations (family-work-conflict, i.e., FWC). In addition, a four-fold dyadic typology was created crossing the FWC levels within the pairs (i.e., within the couples). The typology in question discriminated as marital satisfaction, personal well-being, and the coping strategy of responsibilities avoidance were concerned. On the whole, gender and family life cycle factors showed a specific role in shaping the complex work-family nexus.