Sources of work-family balance self-efficacy in emerging adults

Abstract

With the rise of the dual-career family structure, individuals are increasingly seeking to integrate both work and family roles. Work-family balance self-efficacy (WFBSE) is our belief in our own ability to successfully balance both work and family roles (Basuil & Casper, 2012). The current study examines sources of WFBSE in emerging adults, selected in line with Bandura’s (1977) social cognitive theory. Specifically, past success in balancing multiple roles and vicarious learning from parental work-family spillover were examined. Survey data were collected from 90 college students. Findings showed that past successful experience in balancing school and other roles was positively associated with WFBSE. Perceived parental work-family conflict was negatively related to WFBSE while perceived parental work-family enrichment was positively related to WFBSE. The implications of these findings are discussed. Keywords: Work-family balance self-efficacy, emerging adults, parental work-family conflict, parental work-family enrichment, multiple-role balance.