Stresses and rewards experienced by employed mothers

Abstract

As an increasing percentage of mothers of preschool children enter the labor force, there is a need for a better understanding of the experience of employment and its impact on women and their families. In the present study, employed women enacting multiple roles were asked to describe their perceptions of the stresses and rewards of the experience. One hundred eighteen employed mothers of preschool children were interviewed. The major stresses that emerged from the responses included lack of time, child‐related problems, and maternal guilt. Rewarding aspects included personal benefits, financial rewards, and improved family life. Implications for families, health practitioners, and researchers are discussed.