The Relationship between Job-Role Quality and Parenting Behaviors among Employed Mothers in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the job-role quality of employed Korean mothers and their parenting behaviors, as well as the mediating roles of maternal parenting strain and psychological wellbeing. We analyzed the data from 172 employed Korean mothers of children of school transition age who lived in Seoul, Korea. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that better quality of mothers' job-role experience predicted greater psychological well-being and reduced parenting strain. Better job-role quality and less parenting strain were associated with greater psychological well-being, which in turn predicted more positive parenting practices. The mediation effects of psychological well-being and parenting strain were significant. Implications and suggestions for future research on working mothers' parenting are discussed.