Stress, Fatigue, and Social Support in the Work and Family Context

Research examining the interrelationship between work and family has escalated in the last fifteen years due to the increasing number of women in the workforce and the changing and evolving nature of balancing personal and work responsibilities. Debate rages over whether work and family are inevitably in conflict or whether they can peacefully co-exist or even enhance each other. This review of literature focuses on three aspects of the work and family interchange: stress, fatigue, and the role of social support as a stress reducer. Theories and research results are presented along with trends, questions to consider, and implications for future research.