Stress in Balancing Work and Family among Working Parents in Hong Kong

Qiqi Chen, Mengtong Chen, Camilla Kin Ming Lo, Ko Ling Chan and Patrick Ip
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Qiqi Chen: Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Anthropology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Mengtong Chen: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Camilla Kin Ming Lo: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Ko Ling Chan: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Patrick Ip: Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: Work-life imbalance might lead to detrimental outcomes, including family dissatisfaction, poor performance in the workplace, and poor mental and physical health. This population-based study aims to explore the situation and trends in regard to work-life balance among working men and women in 2017, with a special focus on the stress experienced in work and personal lives. Descriptive analysis and multiphase regression are used to explore the associations of work-life imbalance with individual and family factors. Males’ satisfaction with the amount of time spent at work was most significantly related to the level of work-life stress. Both males’ and females’ satisfaction with work life, family life, and the amount of time spent at work and with family were all negatively related to the level of work-life stress. Participants who were not in marital or cohabiting status reported significantly higher levels of work-life stress. Participants who had childcare support reported higher levels of work-life stress than those who looked after their children by themselves or their partners. A similar pattern was found among participants involved in elderly care. This study provides insight into family policy that could promote balance in professional and personal life and relationships.

Keywords: work and family balance; stress; satisfaction; childcare; elderly care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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