Jesus Didn't Teach Us to Juggle: Religious Involvement, Work-Family Conflict, and Life Satisfaction Among African Americans

Growing research suggests that work-family conflict is harmful to individual well-being. However, few studies have examined this relationship among African Americans, as well as what cultural institutions and practices may help in dealing with the stress of work-family conflict. This study suggests that religion may be an important resource for African Americans in the face of work-family conflict. Using data from the National Survey of Religion and Family Life, a telephone survey of working-age U.S. adults, this study outlines a series of arguments linking work-family conflict, religious involvement, and life satisfaction among African Americans. The results suggest some support for religious involvement in moderatingor bufferingthe harmful effects of work-family conflict on the life satisfaction of African Americans. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.