Returning to work after childbirth and women’s mental health: the place of work-family conflict and of social supports in a population of working mothers in Paris area
Anca Radauceanu, Michel Grzebyk, Valérie Demange, Mathieu Dziurla, Dominique Lafon, Emmanuelle Goujon, Fara Ralison, Anne-Christine Gros, Laurence Huygue, Peggy Pradeau, Christine Breton, Stéphanie BoiniAbstract
Objective
Analyzing in a cross-sectional study the factors associated with mental health in 1511 recently delivered women returning to work, the mediating role of work-family interface and the moderating role of social supports.
Methods
Data were collected at 3 months after returning to work to assess work characteristics (COPSOQ), work-family conflict (SWING), anxiodepressive symptoms (HADS), commuting, childcare, household demands, social supports.
Results
Anxiety and to lesser extent depressive symptoms were associated with work factors, the opposite for the non work demands. The mediation by work-family conflict and the moderation of social supports were present especially for anxiety symptoms. Taking into account the parental constraints by the hierarchy, family/friends support and paid personnel reduced anxiodepressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Promoting mental health at returning to work of new mothers needs the assessment of total workload and resources.