The purpose of this study was to explore the occurrence of anticipated work–family conflict (AWFC) in young adults and examine the assumption that AWFC and anticipated work and family barriers were interchangeable constructs. Previous research sought to examine AWFC but due to theoretical and measurement factors, an understanding of it remains contradictory and unclear. Clarification is needed for subsequent research on work and family planning. For this purpose, 120 college students between the ages of 18 to 25 completed six different self-report questionnaires measuring AWFC and barriers. Results were examined to establish construct validity and prevalence rates for AWFC. A multi-trait, multi-method matrix revealed construct validity for some, but not all, AWFC and barriers measures. Low to moderate AWFC prevalence rates were reported overall, and Friedman’s analysis of variance revealed that rates varied by different types of measurement instruments. Thus, methodology emerged as a critical factor for continued AWFC research. Additional implications and future directions for AWFC and barriers are discussed.
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