Work-Family Conflict and Mental Distress of Black Women in Employment in South Africa: A Template Analysis

Work−family conflict causes stress, and exposure to it may lead to mental distress. Yet little is known about work−family conflict and mental distress in Africa. This study reports on the perceptions of black South African women in employment on work−family conflict and the mental distress women may experience when exposed to this conflict. The study utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis as a research design. Data were collected with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule. A total of 20 individual interviews and four focus group interviews comprising five participants each were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded, and the data obtained were transcribed verbatim and analysed using template analysis. Two level-one theme codes emerged from the data analysis: antecedents of work−family conflict and work−family conflict manifestations. The findings of the study point to the need for managers to work in partnership with employees using family-friendly initiatives such as family supportive supervision for promoting mental well-being