Sociodemographic and health status predictors of parental role strain: A general population study

Abstract

Aims: Numerous studies indicate that stressors associated with parenthood can adversely affect parental well-being and children’s psychosocial development. The aim of the study was to analyze sociodemographic differences in parental role strain in the general parental population. Methods: The study is based on a national postal survey of a random sample of 605 Icelandic mothers and fathers of children under 18. Results: Parental role strain was related to young parental age at first birth, female gender, non-married status, age of youngest child, age range of children, number of children in the household, and the parent’s own chronic illness. Furthermore, chronic illness or disability of a child was markedly related to higher parental role strain, although the relationship was partly reduced with parental employment. Conclusions: Parental role strain is unevenly distributed in the parental population and varies by sociodemographic and health statuses of parents and children. Understanding and addressing parental role strain could improve parental mental health and help create a family environment that enhances the psychosocial development of children.

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