Work and family: factors that influence perceptions of stress, health and wellbeing

The demands of balancing work and family life can be a major cause of stress in an individual's life, leading to a decrease in satisfaction for both domains and harmful effects on one's health and wellbeing (Frone, Russell, & Barnes, 2003). The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with individuals work and family environments that influence both job and overall life satisfaction. It also accounted for the role of individual characteristics and attitudes. Data for the analysis was from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA). The overall sample included 2719 respondents who indicated that they were in paid work and had children at home. In the end it was satisfaction with the work itself and with the flexibility provided to balance work and non-work commitments which were the most powerful predictors of job satisfaction. While, overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with one's partner were the most powerful predictors of life satisfaction