Work-family Role Strain of Single Parents: The Effects of Role Conflict and Role Ambiguity

Although a significant body of research exists on role conflict and role ambiguity, the relative impact of these role stressors on role strain has not been studied in single parents. Given the increasing proportion of single parent households in the labor force, we examine the effects of work-family role conflict and work-family role ambiguity on the work-family role strain of single parents. The current study fills this void in work-family conflict literature via an initial national mail survey of single parents. A second validation study via e-mail confirms the findings of the mail survey. Results indicate work-family role ambiguity to be the greater source of work-family role strain in single parents. Implications for both marketers of convenience and time-saving goods/services, and employers of single parents are presented.