An Integrative, Multilevel and Transdisciplinary Research Approach to Challenges of Work, Family and Health

Jeremy Bray, RTI International
Erin Kelly, University of Minnesota
Leslie Hammer, Portland State University
David Almeida, Pennsylvania State University
James Dearing, Kaiser Permanente
Orfeu Buxton, Harvard Medical School

Few longitudinal studies using experimental designs evaluate the effects of specific work-family interventions. The Work, Family, and Health Study is an innovative multisite study with a rigorous experimental design (adaptive randomization, control groups), comprehensive multilevel measures, a novel and theoretically based intervention targeting the psychosocial work environment, and translational activities. This paper describes challenges and benefits of designing a multilevel and transdisciplinary research network that includes an effectiveness study to assess intervention effects on employees, families, and managers; a daily diary study to examine effects on family functioning and daily stress; a process study to understand intervention implementation; and translational work to understand diffusion of innovation.