The effects of maternal employment on maternal caregiving in Mexican-American families

Date

2004-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

This study investigated how the level of stress (parenting and work-related) and the number of roles a mother experiences affect her responsiveness and acceptance of her infant. Forty-six Mexican-American mothers and their 6-month-oId infants participated. Each mother was visited at home and asked to fill out questionnaires regarding possible stressors of maternal employment, and acculturation. Maternal responsiveness and acceptance towards their infant also were observed throughout the visit. Findings suggest mothers who experienced more work-family stress also reported experiencing more parenting stress. Mothers who had progressive attitudes toward maternal employment reported feeling less parenting stress, less work-family stress, less job stress and were more likely to be fulfilling their ideal situation. None of the stressors were related to her behaviors. Further work using more sensitive observation methods is suggested.

Description

Keywords

Mothers -- Employment, Latino communities, Children, Family -- Study and teaching, Parent and child, Mexican Americans, Mothers

Citation