Previous research studies argued that task conflict, work-family conflict, and psychological detachment are causally related. However, unclear measurements, the preponderance of correlational analyses in cross-sectional designs, and the use of short time-lag lengths in daily associations in diary studies have not empirically established causal direction. Our current research addresses these research gaps in the literature by directly measuring the constructs of both types of task conflict (intense and mild), work-family conflict, and psychological detachment, and using a mixed methods approach comprising longitudinal and experiment study designs to test and triangulate evidence for the causal directions, mediating relationships, and feedback loop of negative spirals linking these constructs. In a series of three studies using full-time employees, we tested the causal relationships linking task conflict, work-family conflict, and psychological detachment. Cross-lagged panel model analyses from Study 1 (N = 903) and findings from the experiments in Study 2 (N = 298) and Study 3 (N = 198) jointly showed that (1) mild task conflict and intense task conflict are distinct constructs, and it is intense task conflict, but not mild task conflict, that is associated (and bidirectionally) with work-family conflict; (2) work-family conflict has a negative effect on psychological detachment; and (3) the negative effect of intense task conflict on psychological detachment is mediated by work-family conflict. Study limitations and future research directions are discussed in terms of adopting construct-oriented and theory-driven approaches to clarify the purported causal processes underlying the psychological mechanisms that link task conflict, work-family conflict, and psychological detachment.

Authors:
David Chan, Singapore Management University, Singapore
Ming-Hong Tsai, Singapore Management University, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
David Chan is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavioural Sciences Initiative at Singapore Management University. His research areas include research methods, computational social science, adaptation to changes and subjective well-being.

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