Relationship Between Work-Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms Among Male Firefighters in China

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to examine the relationship between work-family conflict and depressive symptoms while considering job types and family structure as moderators. Methods In July and August 2021, 1328 male Chinese firefighters completed an online cross-sectional survey. Results The results indicated that work-family conflicts among Chinese firefighters presented a significant association with worse depressive symptoms. More specifically, strain conflict and behavioral conflict had positive relationships with worse depressive symptoms, while time conflict had a negative relationship. In addition, job types moderated the association between work-family conflict, strain conflict, and behavior conflict with depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study shows that work-family conflict is significantly associated with depressive symptoms among Chinese firefighters. Our findings advocate working system reform for Chinese firefighters, and more attention is needed on their mental health protection in the future.