WORK AND FAMILY CONFLICT: AN OFTEN
OVERLOOKED ISSUE IN COUPLE
AND FAMILY THERAPY*
Anthony W. Tatman
Alan J. Hovestadt
Paul Yelsma
David L. Fenell
Brian S. Canfield
ABSTRACT: Despite the systemic interaction, family-based journals,
as well as intake and assessment forms most frequently used by couple
and family therapists (CFTs), have given a limited amount of attention
to the issue of work and family conflict. Moreover, a review of the
literature indicated that many CFTs perceive themselves as inadequately
prepared to assist couples and families with work and family
conflict. Addressing this apparent limitation, the present study identified
various work stressors that contributed to family conflict (WFC),
and the family stressors that contributed to work conflict (FWC).
Results revealed significant predictors of WFC and FWC. Implications
for CFTs and recommendations for changes in academic training and
supervision are provided.
KEY WORDS: Work and family conflict; predictive factors; couple and family therapy.
Anthony W. Tatman, PhD, is in private practice with Counseling and Assessment
Services, 2404 Forest Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (tonytatman@yahoo.com). Alan J.
Hovestadt, EdD, is Professor of Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family
Therapy; and Paul Yelsma, PhD is Professor of Communication at Western Michigan
University. David L. Fenell, PhD is Professor of Counselor Education at the University
of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Brian S. Canfield, EdD, is Professor and Department
Head of the Department of Human Development at Southeastern Louisiana University.
*The authors would like to thank Dr. Gary Bischof, Associate Professor of Counselor
Education and Marriage and Family Therapy program Director at Western
Michigan University, for editorial comments made on a previous version of this paper.
Contemporary Family Therapy 28(1), March 2006 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 39
DOI: 10.1007/s10591-006-9693-4...