Date of Award

January 2014

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jaime B. Henning

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Abstract

The composition of the workforce has changed dramatically over the past several decades, the number of dual-career couples and working mothers with young children has increased dramatically. Many organizations have responded by implementing work-family benefits to help employees deal with the conflicting demands of work and family. Yet, researchers have found that these benefits may be underutilized by employees (Allen, 2001).

One reason these benefits may be underutilized is due to a lack of perceived supervisor support for the use of these benefits (Cook, 2009). This study will examine the processes underlying how family supportive supervisor behaviors influence positive job and health related outcomes, specifically affective commitment, job satisfaction, and subjective well-being. The model tested in this study suggests that family supportive supervisor behaviors will lead to greater work engagement via gain spirals. This enhanced sense of absorption in and vigor towards one's work is expected to be related to lower levels of work-to-family conflict and greater levels of work-to-family enrichment.

Download

Share

COinS