Work-Family Conflict in association with Depression and Anxiety symptoms: An Australian community-based study

Objectives: To examine the association between work–family conflict (WFC) and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms among working adults. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2017 Wave 5 of the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life project (n=1,312). WFC was measured using validated survey items, while depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Goldberg Scales and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Negative binomial regression models adjusted for psychosocial and socio-demographic factors were applied. Results: Higher levels of WFC were significantly associated with greater severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, demonstrating a dose–response relationship that persisted after adjusting for prior symptoms and potential confounders. Conclusion: Reducing WFC may represent an important target for workplace and public health interventions to improve mental well-being.