Combining Motherhood and Work: Effects of Dual Identity and Identity Conflict on Well-Being

Abstract

This study investigated whether having a dual identity as both a mother and an employed person constitutes a threat to well-being, or whether it is a positive resource. The study focused on indices of life satisfaction and self-esteem. A convenience sample of 208 mothers were exposed to a manipulation of identity conflict, whereby we manipulated whether working mothers perceived their identities as a mother and an employed person to be in conflict with each other or not. It was hypothesized that generally having multiple identities (as an employee and a mother) would be positively associated with well-being, that perceived identity conflict would have a negative impact on well-being, and that identity conflict would exacerbate the negative effects of identity-related stressors on well-being. Results supported these predictions. The applied implication is that policies that enable mothers to work will be conducive to maternal well-being, but that the policies must minimize conflict between demands associated with employment and parental responsibilities.

Mothers' job crafting and work-to-family enrichment: a self-concept perspective

“…, 2012; Millward, 2006). The purpose of job crafting for working mothers is not only to improve work-related outcomes but also to enhance the overall effectiveness in the family domain (Zagefka et al. , 2021).…”

“…Our study suggests that women who focus in a working mother role identity are likely to have a more positive attitude and transfer it to their family domain. A study conducted on a sample of 208 working mothers found a positive association between a woman with a working mother role identity and wellbeing (Zagefka et al, 2021). In sum, job crafting tactics improve work-to-family enrichment through an engagement in role identity.…”

“…As an employee with multiple responsibilities, a new working mother's perception of work begins to change with pregnancy (Ladge et al, 2012;Millward, 2006). The purpose of job crafting for working mothers is not only to improve work-related outcomes but also to enhance the overall effectiveness in the family domain (Zagefka et al, 2021). Greenhaus and Powell (2006) suggested that high performance and positive affect in the work domain could spill over to the family domain, leading to work-to-family enrichment.…”

The Long-Term Impact of Paid Parental Leave on Maternal Health and Subjective Well-Being

“…Thus, the shadow prices of her health and well-being increase, suggesting a decrease in her health and well-being (Chatterji and Markowitz 2005). However, if labor market work enhances maternal (mental) health as well (Grzywacz and Bass 2003;Brook et al 2008;Zagefka et al 2021), there might be a "cut-off" length of leave that still yields positive effects. Thus, as health and wellbeing improve with time and market goods, the effect of paid parental leave on health and wellbeing is unclear.…”

“…Disorders in the mother-infant relationship concern 10 to 25% of mothers referred to a psychiatrist (Brockington 1996). However, if no role conflicts exist and new mothers adapt, this fosters well-being by boosting identification sources and self-esteem (Grzywacz and Bass 2003;Brook et al 2008;Zagefka et al 2021).…”