Identification of a dispositional tendency to experience work–family spillover

Are individuals predisposed to experience work–family spillover? Despite theoretical relevance and practical implications related to this issue, research on this topic is scarce. With this in mind, we investigated if there is a dispositional tendency to experience work–family spillover using a nationally representative longitudinal sample. We present evidence that supports the existence of a disposition to spillover by demonstrating that (a) a dispositional factor model accounts for data better than other competing factor models, (b) the dispositional factor is stable over time at a ten-year follow up, and (c) the dispositional factor is distinct from Big-5 personality traits. Findings highlight the important role that disposition plays in reports of work–family spillover and the necessity to consider individual differences in future work–family theories.

► Evidence for a dispositional tendency to experience work–family spillover is provided. ► A nationally representative longitudinal sample was used. ► A factor model that includes a dispositional factor accounts for data better than other competing factor models. ► The dispositional factor is stable over time at a ten-year follow up. ► The dispositional factor is distinct from Big-5 personality traits.