One might think a mom who gets to spend time with her family by staying at home would feel better about herself than a working mom, but according to a study published by the American Psychological Association, the truth is quite the opposite. Said research discovered that mothers who work part-time or full-time fare better emotionally than mothers who spend the whole day with their child.
The researchers reviewed interviews dating back from 1991 from the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. This involved data they gathered from 1,364 mothers shortly after giving birth. Spanning back 10 years, the study authors were able to find that in categories like parenting, maternal well-being, and work-family conflict, those who work part-time had more positive experiences. According to lead author Cheryl Buehler, PhD, professor of human development and family studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, however, "in many cases the well-being of moms working part time was no different from moms working full time."
Reportedly, mothers who work part-time claimed better health in general and fewer symptoms of depression compared to mothers who stayed at home. Between mothers who work part-time and those who work full-time, there is not that big of a difference to speak of. In addition, those who work part-time were just as involved when it comes to the child’s school as stay-at-home moms and certainly more involved than those who have a full-time job.
Study co-author Marion O’Brien PhD, professor of human development and family studies, also of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, then finished off by saying that since part-time jobs seem to have the best of both worlds that "it would be beneficial to employers if they provide fringe benefits, at least proportionally, to part-time employees as well as offer them career ladders through training and promotion."
Still, the authors admit that the study could use a more in-depth analysis as it is limited by the fact that the mothers interviewed only had one child to deal with. More research needs to be done to help ensure stability in both the family and the mother’s well-being.
Are you a working mom? Here are some tips for helping you balance your work and home life:
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