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

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the influence of family cohesion on family-to-work conflict (FWC), family-to-work enrichment (FWE) and psychological health. The study also aims to investigate the impact of FWC and FEW on psychological health. The study uses conservation of resources theory as a theoretical base.

Design/methodology/approach

Data came from frontline officers of Rajasthan police in India using a purposive sampling technique. The study utilizes Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The findings reveal that family cohesion is a critical family resource that diminishes FWC and boosts FWE. The findings further demonstrate that FWE improves psychological health. Lastly, the study displays that FWE fully mediates the link between family cohesion and psychological health.

Research limitations/implications

The male-dominated sample prevents evaluating gender differences in the proposed relationships. Generalizations to other cultures and contexts are limited. The findings of the study suggest that police administrators need to understand the family characteristics of officers and plan interventions to facilitate a cohesive family environment in the police.

Originality/value

Little is known about the family direction relationships (FWC and FWE) in work-family research. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to test a model of family cohesion, FWC, FWE and psychological health.

Citation

Agrawal, M. and Mahajan, R. (2022), "The relationship between family cohesion, family-work conflict, enrichment and psychological health of Indian police", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 45 No. 5, pp. 794-811. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-02-2022-0028