Mental well-being of mothers with preschool children in Japan: The importance of spousal involvement in childrearing

Abstract

Japan’s low fertility rate and rapidly aging population have prompted a series of government policies aimed to minimize disincentives to motherhood. Father’s participation in childcare and housework is one factor thought to minimize the stress and workload of wage-earning motherhood. Using an internet survey of Japanese women designed by the Japanese Institute for Labor Policy and Training (N = 495), this study explores the associations between labor force participation, unmet need for spousal support, and self-reported mental health of Japanese women with preschool-aged children. We find a positive relationship between mothers’ reports of unmet spousal need and perceived challenges to mental well-being. Results suggest that attention to maternal mental health and unmet spousal support need is needed not only for mothers who participate in the labor force but perhaps especially for stay-at-home mothers.

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