Is Rest Capability More Critical for Dual-Earner Women? Gender Differences in the Impact of Work–Family Conflict on Depressive Symptoms

Despite much research on the relationship between work–family conflict (WFC) and mental health in dual-earner couples, the mediating role of rest capability—the ability and freedom to achieve rest in ways one values—remains underexplored, particularly regarding gender. Using data from 303 dual-earner couples from the second wave of the Rest and Health in Korean Society study, we examine this gap. Our findings indicate that higher WFC is linked to lower rest capability, which in turn is associated with increased depressive symptoms. Although women exhibit lower overall rest capability, changes in WFC have a stronger impact on men’s rest capability. Furthermore, an indirect effect of WFC on depression via rest capability is significant for men but not for women. These results suggest that men in dual-earner couples may be more vulnerable to the mental health impacts of WFC due to reduced rest capability. The study underscores the importance of gendersensitive approaches to addressing rest and well-being in work–family contexts.