Crossover of stress and strain in the family and workplace

Studies investigating the crossover of job stress and strain between partners have shown that job demands are transmitted from job incumbents to their partners, affecting their psychological and physical health. Based on the crossover literature and on models of job stress and the work-family interface, this chapter develops a comprehensive framework to integrate the literature conceptually, delineating the mechanisms that underlie the crossover process. Three main mechanisms that can account for the apparent effects of a crossover process are specified. These mechanisms include common stressors, empathic reactions, and an indirect mediating process. Gaps in the literature are identified, recommendations for future research are proposed, and the implications for organizational theory and practice are discussed.