Work–family conflict, negative affect and psychosomatic health complaints among female physicians in Egypt
International Journal of Organizational Analysis
ISSN: 1934-8835
Article publication date: 9 January 2020
Issue publication date: 22 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the direct relationship between work–family conflict and psychosomatic health complaints among female physicians in Egypt. The study also investigates the mediating role of the negative affect on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using a paper and pen questionnaire from 186 female physicians, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The study findings revealed that work–family conflict is associated with increased psychosomatic complaints among female physicians in Egypt. The study also found that negative affect partially mediates the relationship between work–family conflict and psychosomatic health complaints.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the cross-sectional research design, causal interpretations could not be made. Further empirical evidence is also needed to ascertain the generalizability of the findings to other contexts.
Practical implications
Organizations need to support their employees in balancing their work and family roles. In addition, employees need to understand how work–family conflict could influence their affect and should try to find ways to cope.
Originality/value
The study addresses calls for research on the relationship between work–family conflict and health in developing countries. It also responds to calls for research on the mechanisms through which work–family conflict relates to employee health.
Keywords
Citation
Mohammed Sayed Mostafa, A. (2020), "Work–family conflict, negative affect and psychosomatic health complaints among female physicians in Egypt", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 831-842. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-03-2019-1689
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited