First Advisor

Nancy J. Chapman

Term of Graduation

Spring 1989

Date of Publication

Spring 5-3-1989

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Urban Studies

Department

Urban Studies

Language

English

Subjects

Absenteeism (Labor), Aging parents -- Care -- Psychological aspects, Child care -- Psychological aspects, Job stress

Physical Description

1 online resource (4, xiii, 241 pages)

Abstract

This study compares the effects of family caregiving on job stress and absenteeism for two groups of employees, one caring for parents and the other caring for children. Utilizing data from a community survey of 9,573 employees working in the Portland, OR, metropolitan area, 1895 were selected for this study as caregivers of children and 864 were selected as caregivers of parents, step-parents, or parents-in-law.

Hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze the effects of caregiving on job stress, four forms of absenteeism (missing days, being late to work, leaving work early, and work interruptions), and an index of overall absenteeism. Regressions were performed for the combined sample of caregivers, for caregivers of children and of parents separately, and for men and women in each caregiver group.

The findings indicate that caregivers for children experience higher absenteesim than caregivers for parents, especially in being late to work and leaving work early. The characteristics of the children and parents receiving care were found to affect absenteeism in more complex ways than prior research would suggest. The findings related to job stress suggest that, contrary to the negative spillover hypothesis, job stress appears to be lower in situations of high caregiving need.

Resources were found to have significant effects on work outcomes, although not consistently in the direction hypothesized. Being single or having an employed spouse and concerns with care arrangements for the parent or child(ren) were significant predictors of negative work outcomes for both groups as expected. However, higher household income and flexible work schedules were found to increase absenteeism.

Gender differences in the relationship between caregiving and work outcomes were also identified. Women reported higher absenteeism, higher caregiving stress, more concern about care arrangements, and a greater impact on absenteeism when caring for a parent or child with a high level of need. However, the findings indicate that, in particular situations, men's involvement in caregiving affects their job stress and absenteeism in significant ways.

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43175

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