Development and validation of a multidimensional scale of perceived work-family positive spillover.

A new multidimensional scale of perceived work-family positive spillover is presented and its construct validity in relation to role satisfaction and self-reported mental health is evaluated.

Abstract

Although the benefits of participating in both work and family have been recognized for more than 30 years (Sieber, 1974), limited empirical research exists. One reason for this oversight is the absence of a well-established scale to measure these benefits. We present a new multidimensional scale of perceived work-family positive spillover. We conducted two studies that aided the development and validation of this scale. Our scale measures three types of work-family positive spillover: behavior-based instrumental positive spillover, value-based instrumental positive spillover, and affective positive spillover. Each of these three types of positive spillover occurs in two directions: from work to family and from family to work. We further evaluate the scale's construct validity in relation to role satisfaction and self-reported mental health.