Family, Work, Work-Family Spillover and Alcohol Abuse during Midlife

Grzywacz, Joseph, and Nadine F. Marks
Working paper no. 1998-08

Abstract

Using ecological theory as a theoretical framework, this study systematically examined the associations between multiple dimensions of family solidarity, work characteristics, work-family spillover, and alcohol abuse among a national sample of employed midlife adults (N=1,806). Multivariate analyses confirmed that work and family microsystem factors were associated with alcohol abuse. Aspects of the work-family mesosystem were the most robust correlates of problematic alcohol consumption. Psychological well-being did not mediate the association between work and family factors, and alcohol abuse; nor did the associations differ for women and men.