The Relationship between Workaholism and Personal Burnout in Dual-Earner Couples: An Analysis Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

Abstract

This study tested the workaholism–personal burnout relationship by using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model in a sample of 138 Italian dual-career couples. Specifically, in line with previous literature, the presence of actor and partner ‘effects’ was hypothesized, whereby the level of workaholism of men and women influences their own level of personal burnout (actor effect) and that of their partners (partner effect). In addition, the moderating role of the presence and number of children in the relationship between workaholism and personal burnout was also analyzed. The results confirmed a significant actor effect. In contrast, the partner effect was partially confirmed (only for the pathway from female partner workaholism to male partner personal burnout). In addition, the presence of children played a key role. First, it strengthened the positive relationship between the female partner’s workaholism and the male partner’s personal burnout. Second, it attenuated the positive relationship between a female’s workaholism and her own personal burnout. The obtained results are discussed, and based on these, considerations are provided on possible interventions to decrease the potential impact of workaholism on couples’ well-being and the implications for a sustainable work and family life.