Partner Reactions to Work-to-Family Conflict: Cognitive Appraisal and Indirect Crossover in Couples

In studying observed work-to-family conflict in 139 couples, the authors integrate theory from cognitive appraisal and indirect crossover processes to explain how partner reactions may affect a focal employee’s work attitudes. The focal employee’s work-interfering-with-family behaviors were positively associated with the partner’s reports of observed work-to-family conflict, resulting in more partner blame attributions and negative emotional displays when discussing work. The partner’s negative emotional displays were related to less career resilience and more turnover exploration by the focal employee. Theoretical and practical implications of the dynamic reactive consequences of appraisal and crossover of observed work-to-family conflict are discussed.