Psychological well-being, work-family conflicts and life satisfaction among Malaysian women

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between aspects of psychological wellbeing and work-family conflicts and life satisfaction among Malaysian women in Kuala Lumpur. This quantitative study employs the survey method. A total of 253 respondents who have been selected using the purposive sampling technique are involved in this study. The instruments used are a combination of three instruments: the psychological well-being scale, the work-family / family-work conflict scale and the life satisfaction scale. There are 54 items in this instrument each using the five-point Likert scale. Data have been analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software and AMOS. The advanced statistical analysis methods, namely the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), are used. The CFA is used for the purpose of validating psychological wellbeing while the SEM is used to analyse the relationship between constructs. The findings showed a significant relationship between autonomous dimensions in the psychological well-being constructs and work-family conflicts. An analysis of the relationship between dimensions in psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction did not show the existence of a significant relationship. An analysis involving the overall relationship between the constructs showed a weak insignificant relationship. This study significantly highlights the importance of strengthening the aspects of women’s psychological wellbeing in influencing the ability to manage work-family conflicts and finally allowing them to enjoy their life satisfaction.