Crossover and work-home interference

In the present study, we examine crossover - the transmission of stress and strain from one spouse to another - in a sample of 78 information technology (IT) professionals and their working spouses. This research places crossover within the role theory framework via work-home interference (WHI) and home-work interference (HWI). The research design was cross-sectional and used self-report data. Results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated the following: (H1) For IT professionals, WHI was directly linked to work-related outcomes (i.e., burnout, health complaints); (H2) Crossover effects were found between the partner HWI and the exhaustion of the IT professional. For IT professionals, negative affectivity was significantly associated with exhaustion and cynicism, whereas for the spouse, negative affectivity was significantly associated with exhaustion and turnover intentions. The relevance of these findings to crossover research is discussed.