The mediating role of financial stress in the effect of financial anxiety on work family conflict among female employees

Economic uncertainties experienced by women actively involved in the workforce can increase their levels of financial anxiety, leading to work-family conflict. Examining factors such as financial anxiety and financial stress is becoming increasingly important for the healthy social and economic well-being of women who assume diverse roles at various levels of society. The main objective of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of financial stress on the relationship between financial anxiety and work-family conflict. To test the developed model and hypotheses, women actively involved in the workforce in Erzincan province were selected as the study population. Data collected from 444 working women through questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 27, AMOS 24, and SPSS PROCESS MACRO programs. The analysis revealed that the level of financial anxiety positively affects both work-family conflict and financial stress, and a positive relationship exists between financial stress and work-family conflict. Furthermore, it was determined that financial stress plays a mediating role in the effect of financial anxiety on work-family conflict. In conclusion, the study revealed that the impact of financial anxiety on work-family conflict occurs through financial stress, and that an increase in the level of financial anxiety also increases financial stress, thereby escalating work-family conflict. Based on these findings, it is recommended that managers develop practices to improve the financial well-being of female employees and reduce their financial anxiety and stress. Financial education, financial counseling, and economic support mechanisms that can be implemented within this scope are thought to contribute to reducing work-family conflict.