https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105318764014 Journal of Health Psychology 1–13 © The Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1359105318764014 journals.sagepub.com/home/hpq The labor force has changed significantly in recent decades, and research suggests that work– family balance is a concern for working families (Allen and Martin, 2017; Clark, 2000; Michel et al., 2011). Although some studies indicate that firm boundaries between work and personal life can be beneficial, it is often the case that these boundaries are crossed, potentially creating con- flict and strain between the two domains (Clark, 2000; Grandey and Cropanzano, 1999). Such interference may include job demands that inter- fere with household responsibilities or the inabil- ity to devote sufficient time and energy to family and friends outside of work (Greenhaus and Beutell, 1985; Kahn et al., 1964). A number of studies have found that job demands are less important than the degree of role spillover in predicting stress and negative health outcomes (Kossek and Ozeki, 1998; Voydanoff, 2004). Negative spillover is defined as the bidirectional tension between roles and obligations of being a caregiver, spouse and an employee (Frone et al., 1997; Kossek and Ozeki, 1998). Negative work–family spillover (WFS) occurs when job responsibilities influ- ence workers’ attitudes, capabilities, or energies toward family, creating difficultly in meeting obligations and expectations (Kanter, 1977). Since both men and women manage dual and often competing demands, negative spillover has become increasingly common, leading to distress, feeling overwhelmed, and burned out Work–family spillover and metabolic syndrome indicators: Findings from a national sample H Shellae Versey and Mingxuan Tan Abstract This study examines the link between negative work–family spillover and metabolic risk factors over a 9-year period. Data from two waves of the Midlife in the United States Survey were used to explore relationships between negative work–family spillover and four indicators of metabolic syndrome—blood pressure, triglycerides, body mass index, and glucose levels. In a sample of full-time working men and women (N = 630), increased negative spillover at baseline significantly predicted higher body mass index nearly a decade later, with a marginally significant effect for triglyceride levels. Increases in spillover also body mass index and glucose levels at follow-up. This study extends research tying work–life spillover to health and suggests that further investigation is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of work stress. Keywords body mass index, longitudinal, metabolic syndrome, negative spillover, work–family conflict Wesleyan University, USA Corresponding author: H Shellae Versey, Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, 207 High Street, Judd Hall, Room 404, Middletown, CT 06459, USA. Email: sversey@wesleyan.edu 764014HPQ 0 0 10.1177/1359105318764014Journal of Health PsychologyVersey and Tan brief-report 2018 Brief Report