Examining a Comprehensive Model of Work and Family Demands, Work-Family Conflict, and Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Correctional Supervisors

Objective: This study examined how work and family demands affect depressive symptoms, and the mediating roles of work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict in a sample of correctional supervisors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, correctional supervisors working in a Northeastern state (n=156) participated in an online survey. Structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and indirect effects between study variables. Results: Amount of overtime hours worked significantly predicted work-to-family conflict (beta=0.18, P<0.05), and work-to-family conflict significantly predicted greater depressive symptoms (beta=0.61, P<0.01). Overtime work also had an indirect effect on depressive symptoms through work-to-family conflict (beta=0.11 [95% CI 0.001-0.42]). No other statistically significant effects of relevance were found. Conclusions: Working overtime had an indirect effect on correctional supervisors' depressive symptoms, mediated by work-to-family conflict.