Cognitions and Work-family Interactions: New Research Directions in Conflict and Facilitation

The article aims at enhancing the value of the cognitive psychology's and the cognitive-behavioural paradigm's assumptions in work-family interface studies, reviewing the research directions regarding the role of the cognitive variables and underlining new possible approaches that can lead to a better understanding of the necessary strategies in the multiple roles management. These new approaches focus on the role of individual factors, namely cognitive variables, such as cognitions or cognitive appraisals. The ABC cognitive model or the appraisal theory could serve as theoretical frameworks in studying the mechanisms through which different work, family and individual factors influence individuals’ experiences as family members and employees and their well-being. Theoretical and practical implications of studying these variables are discussed.