FAMILY CHARGES AND LABOR STRESS

Abstract

This study focuses on the influence of stress when combining family and work loads and the consequent impact. In this study we have exposed important variables affecting stress levels within the family, childcare, caring for the eldery and performing household chores. On the other hand increasingly demanding work environments have shown the pace of work itself affects stress and even more so in combination with family responsibilities. In regards to stress in the work place, the study suggests that variables referred to in the study as "hours worked per week or "working to tight deadlines" are combined under the umbrella term as a the variable of "pace of word" and proves to be the most influential variable affecting the likelihood of high stress levels, both alone and in conjunction with family responsibilities. In addition, the study involved performing experiments with a combination of unfavourable variables, allowing greater control over the stress levels experienced by the participants both in the family and at the work. The results show that the combination of these variables can generate high levels of stress that will be impact both the work place and the family. Therefore, responsibility may fall on these variables, both household (child care, caring for the eldery and performing household chores) and labour (pace of word) for decreasing the likelihood of experiencing high levels of stress.