Balancing work and family lives is a challenge faced by many psychologists. The present study examined an integrated model of resources, work-family conflict, family, work, and life satisfaction among professional psychologists. To test this model, a sample of 368 doctoral psychologists who worked at least 20 hours a week and who were married and/or had children were selected from respondents to a national survey on professional and family life. Support was found for three-stage mediational models through which the resources of control and family support exerted cross domain effects and influenced overall life satisfaction. Control at work reduced work to family conflict which increased family satisfaction while family support reduced family to work conflict and increased work satisfaction. Both work and family satisfaction then increased life satisfaction. These models were significant for both men and women. There was, however, evidence that family support was more important in reducing family to work conflict for women.

Are psychologists satisfied with their careers? The present study sought to answer this question and to understand factors that relate to high levels of career satisfaction. Data from 595 respondents of a national survey of practicing psychologists indicated that, consistent with past research, psychologists tend to be satisfied with their careers. To investigate factors that predict high levels of satisfaction, two groups of psychologists were identified: a high-satisfaction group (n = 129) and a moderate-satisfaction group (n = 102). Optimal data analysis (ODA) was then used to identify single variables, as well as combinations of personal and professional factors, that maximized classification accuracy in predicting high versus moderate career satisfaction. Percentage of direct-pay clients, work–life balance strategies, control at work, and reflecting on satisfying work experiences emerged as important predictors. Specific recommendations for practitioners are discussed.

Does our work life influence the quality of our family life? The present study examined this question using data from 126 practicing psychologists who responded to two waves of a longitudinal study of their work and family lives. Work–family conflict (WFC) was tested as a mediator between work demands/resources (hours worked, emotional exhaustion, control, support) and family functioning. Results indicated that work demands, but not work resources, significantly predicted family functioning over time. Specifically, more hours worked and greater emotional exhaustion at Time 1 related to poorer family functioning at Time 2. WFC did not mediate these relationships, suggesting that the direct relationship of these work demands to family functioning was stronger than the relationship of WFC to family functioning.

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