Parenting stress and general health:a research on the relation between parenting stress and general health among housewife-mothers and nurse-mothers with young children

Subject Areas : روان درمانگری

Parirokh Dadsetan ¹ , Ali Ahmadi Azghandi ² , Hamid Reza Hassanabadi ³

1 - PhD Islamic Azad University South Tehran Branch
2 - M. A. in Psychology
3 - PhD Student Tehran University

Received: 2015-06-06 Accepted : 2015-06-06 Published : 2006-03-21

Keywords: General Health, parenting stress, nurse mother, housewife mother, young child,

Abstract :

This study aimed at testing a) the relationship between parenting stress and general health among the mothers with young children b) the employment buffer approach in a


 

   


  housewives who were selected randomly among mothers in the city of Rasht, responded to the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and then completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a questionnaire including the statements for controlling some variables. There was a significant difference between parenting stress levels of both groups, but the difference between general health rates of both groups was not significant. However, the difference between the groups in depression sub-scale was significant. Analysis of multiple regression indicated that the main effect of parenting stress and the interaction effect of employment and parenting stress on general health were significant. But, the employment did not have a significant effect on general health. Results showed that employment, even in such stressful profession as nursing, moderates the negative effect of parenting stress on mothers’ health. Findings explain the harmful psychological and physical consequences of parenting stress and the importance of the stress experienced by mothers of young children. Findings also emphasize a need for planning supportive and preventive programs for mothers who experience job stress.