Burnout and the work family interface: a two wave study of sole and partnered working mothers
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether work to family conflict (WFC) and work to family enrichment (WFE) predicted burnout in working mothers using conservation of resources theory. The authors also examined whether these relationships varied between sole and partnered working mothers. Design/methodology/approach In total, 516 partnered and 107 sole mothers in paid employment completed an online survey twice, six months apart. Findings WFC was significantly positively related to burnout, and WFE significantly negatively related to burnout. Marital status moderated the inverse relationship between WFE and personal burnout, and this relationship was significant for partnered mothers only. Research limitations/implications Limitations include self report data, and the sample being highly educated thereby limiting generalizability. Practical implications Providing an enriching and supportive work environment may be an important strategy for minimizing burnout in mothers, particularl.