Promoting positive well-being in employed mothers: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Returning to work after childbirth presents significant stress for new mothers.
• Balancing work, parenting, and marital well-being is a critical challenge.
• Existing support systems may not adequately address the multifaceted needs of returning mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a small group intervention for women returning to work postpartum.
• To examine the intervention's impact on marital satisfaction, work well-being, and parenting.
• To identify potential benefits of a stress and coping framework-based program.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental pilot study design.
• Two groups: intervention (n=18) and control (n=13).
• Intervention based on Lazarus & Folkman's stress and coping framework.
• Surveys at 2 months and 1 year postpartum.
• Repeated measures ANCOVA with maternity leave and work hours as covariates.

Main Results:

• Intervention group showed increased marital satisfaction over time.
• Control group experienced a decline in marital satisfaction.
• Significant difference in marital satisfaction trends between groups (p = .04).

Conclusions:

• A small group intervention can positively influence marital satisfaction for working mothers postpartum.
• The findings suggest the utility of targeted support programs for this demographic.
• Further research is warranted to explore broader impacts on well-being and long-term effects.