Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship between Work-Life Conflict and Health Behaviors: The Role of Resource Depletion

Abstract

While there is an abundance of research linking work-family conflict (WFC) and work-life conflict (WLC) to a host of negative outcomes, including compromised health, there has been a dearth of research dedicated to understanding how the work-life interface influences these health outcomes. Identifying the mechanisms that underlie the relationships between work and life factors and health and well-being is essential in the development of effective organizational interventions and programs designed to support employee health and well-being. Using Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory and Self-Regulation Theory as a framework, the present study aims to identify potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between work-life conflict and health behaviors. Specifically, this study investigates the mediating effects of depleted physical, cognitive, emotional, and temporal resources on the relationship between work-life conflict and the health-related behaviors of diet and physical activity. Using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a two-time multi-wave sample of 346 participants was collected using a 30 day time lag. The present findings provide partial support for the mediating role of energy-related resources in the relationship between WLC and dietary choices and exercise frequency.