The effect of optimism on the work-family interface and psychological health of Indian police

Abstract

PurposeUsing conservation of resources (COR) theory the study investigates the interrelationships between optimism, bidirectional work-family conflict, enrichment, and psychological health.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from 356 Indian police officers using a survey questionnaire and purposive sampling technique.FindingsThe results inform that optimism mitigates family to work conflict (FWC) and fosters work to family enrichment (WFE), family to work enrichment (FEW), and psychological health in the police. The results further suggest optimism influences psychological health via WFE (partial mediation). However, FWC and FEW do not influence mental health.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a specific culture and context (Rajasthan police), so results cannot be generalized. The study discusses the practical implications for police practitioners.Originality/valueThe study adds to work-family literature by considering personal differences that have received less space in work-family models. To the best of authors' knowledge, none of the previous studies have considered optimism, the work-family interface and psychological health in the police.

The relationship between family cohesion, family-work conflict, enrichment and psychological health of Indian police

“…, 2019). Agrawal and Mahajan (2021) also found a positive influence of WFE on the psychological health of police.…”

“…Recent studies with Indian police also demonstrate a direct influence of WFC on psychological health (Agrawal and Mahajan, 2021), burnout (Lambert et al, 2019), job stress (Lambert et al, 2017;Singh and Nayak, 2015;Viegas and Henriques, 2020), job satisfaction (Rathi and Barath, 2013) and affective and continuance commitment (Qureshi et al, 2019). Agrawal and Mahajan (2021) also found a positive influence of WFE on the psychological health of police.…”

“…Some affective outcomes of WFC include job satisfaction (Ahmad and Islam, 2019;Howard et al, 2004), threat to family role and job dissatisfaction (Islam et al, 2020) and work engagement and turnover intentions (Islam et al, 2019). Recent studies with Indian police also demonstrate a direct influence of WFC on psychological health (Agrawal and Mahajan, 2021), burnout (Lambert et al, 2019), job stress (Lambert et al, 2017;Singh and Nayak, 2015;Viegas and Henriques, 2020), job satisfaction (Rathi and Barath, 2013) and affective and continuance commitment (Qureshi et al, 2019). Agrawal and Mahajan (2021) also found a positive influence of WFE on the psychological health of police.…”

“…, 2019). Recent studies with Indian police also demonstrate a direct influence of WFC on psychological health (Agrawal and Mahajan, 2021), burnout (Lambert et al. , 2019), job stress (Lambert et al.…”

“…Third, meta-reviews by Amstad et al (2011) andMcNall et al (2010) link FWC and FWE with the psychological health of employees. Nonetheless, these relationships are seldom examined in policing occupations (Agrawal and Mahajan, 2021). Examining the relationships contributes to the scarce occupation-specific work-family research in general (Chang et al, 2010) and police work-family literature in particular.…”