Working mothers in India: Multiple role conflict and the psychological distress

Abstract

In India, women play different roles and are contributing in every domain of society. This paper tries to explore the psychological distress faced by working mothers and conflicts in their multiple roles. With birth of a child, women’s responsibility increases which multiplies if they are working also. Motherhood changes the way in which a women is perceived in society and at her workplace. Significant social and personal adjustments are necessary to cope with such a situation for women. Though, working women enjoy their identity, independence and financial benefits but still it is also true that they play dual role and are over-burdened with different works related to personal and professional areas. The problems become complicated and increase with birth of a child for working women. As a mother and dual demands of work place and family as well as proper rearing of child, they face various adjustment problems and it triggers psychological distress among them. This study tries to explore the level of psychological distress, how they feel and multiple role conflicts they experienced. As well as this study provides some interventions for improving mental health of working mothers.