New Directions in Work-Family Coping Research

A copious amount of research has been conducted on the antecedents and outcomes of work—family conflict. Research on coping with this conflict has been much more limited. This chapter provides an assessment of the work—family coping literature primarily through the lens of research presented at the International Conferences of Work and Family. In particular, we review the literature on individual work—family coping strategies and the agents involved in multiple role managing. While envisioning future work—family coping research, we offer a model rooted in the emerging idiosyncratic deals literature. The need for research on preventive coping and “non-rational” coping mechanisms is also discussed. Methodological recommendations for the future of work—family coping research are offered.