The Influence of Work–Family Conflict and Enhancement on the Wellbeing of the Self-Employed and Their Spouses: A Dyadic Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the effect of work–family conflict (WFC) and work–family enhancement (WFE) on the wellbeing of the self-employed and their spouses. Adopting a dyadic perspective, our analysis focuses on three dimensions of wellbeing: physical health, mental health and life satisfaction. Using the Spillover and Crossover Model as theoretical framework and the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model as an estimation technique, we investigate how work–family conflict and enhancement among the self-employed and their spouses were associated to their individual and mutual wellbeing. The analysis revealed a strong actor and partner effect, such that one’s own perception of WFC undermined the wellbeing for both the self-employed and their spouses. Further, WFE was associated with an improvement in wellbeing, mainly for the self-employed, and not their spouses. The results partially supported the ‘crossover hypothesis’, suggesting that launching a new business is a stressful endeavour at the dyadic level of the self-employed and their spouses.