The influence of family-work role experience and mastery on psychological health of Chinese employed mothers

Abstract

Four-hundred-and-thirty-five Chinese married nurses with children were surveyed on their family—work role experience, sense of mastery, and psychological distress. Hierarchical regression analyses showed spillover effects of role experience on psychological health as well as asymmetrical permeability of family and work boundaries. The hypothesis that mastery acted as a moderator between role experience and psychological health was supported. In general, a higher level of mastery augmented positive but mitigated negative influence of role experience on psychological functioning. Findings provide useful information to practitioners and policy makers on issues related to family—work stress and women’s health in contemporary Chinese society.