Interrole Conflicts and Psychological Distress in Male Managers and Professionals: The Mediator Effect of Social Problem Solving

Abstract

Managers and professionals are among the workers most at risk of experiencing high levels of conflict between their roles as workers and as parents. Depending on an individual's ability to solve problems in their day-to-day life, these conflicts can affect their psychological well-being. Research examining the psychological distress resulting from these conflicts focuses almost exclusively on women. This study examines the mediator effect of problem solving on the relationship between interrole conflict and psychological distress among male workers. A sample of 291 male managers and professionals living in dual-earner couples completed an online questionnaire. The results confirm a mediator role of problem solving abilities, specifically negative problem orientation. Further research on training programs could examine the effectiveness of developing problem-solving skills in managers and professionals.