Examining Work-Family Conflict and Occupational Stress Among Employed and Unemployed Individuals

This study investigates the relationship between work-family conflict and occupational stress among employed and unemployed individuals. The primary objectives were to examine work-family conflict and occupational stress among working and non-working individuals. The sample consisted of 100 participants from Mumbai, aged 20 to 30 years, divided into two groups: 50 employed individuals and 50 non-employed individuals. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select participants. To measure work-family conflict, the Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFCS) by Carlson, Kacmar, and Williams (2000) was employed, and occupational stress was assessed using the Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R) by Samuel H. Osipow (1998), specifically the Occupational Roles Questionnaire (ORQ). Data analysis was conducted using t-tests. Results indicated that non-working individuals experienced significantly higher levels of work-family conflict (t = 9.13, p < 0.01) and occupational stress (t = 13.52, p < 0.01) compared to their working counterparts. These findings highlight the impact of employment status on stress and conflict in the work-family domain. The study contributes to the understanding of the differential stress experiences of employed and unemployed individuals, emphasizing the need for interventions to address occupational stress and work-family conflict for both groups.