Overnight work-travel, work-to-family conflict, and psychological distress

Overnight work-related travel (OWT) is a job demand that is increasing among employees in the United States. Research suggests the impact of OWT is positively associated with work-to-family conflict (WFC) and mental health problems, such as psychological distress. By using data from a sample of 123 employed adults that travel overnight for work and live in dual-earner households in the United States, we examined the associations between the duration of OWT and (a) WFC and (b) psychological distress. We also examined if the associations between OWT and our outcomes were moderated by the gender of the respondent. Results indicated positive associations between the duration of OWT and both WFC and distress, but only among men, as compared to women. Our results signal a potential shift in the experience of work and family between men and women that may have differing consequences for their WFC and mental health. Our results highlight a need for further research in this area.