The Experiential Meaning of Well-Being for Employed Mothers

Abstract

Employed mothers must constantly juggle and balance the multiple roles they face on a daily basis, which can be overwhelming and may adversely affect well-being and health. Findings are presented from a naturalistic-inquiry study that explored how employed mothers with preschool-age children experience positive well-being in their lives. Interviews were conducted with 16 mothers who worked full time and had at least one preschool-age child living at home. Findings included seven categories reflective of experiential well-being: mutuality, spirituality, child-centeredness, acceptance, happiness, security, and enrichment of the world. Results of this study are anticipated to contribute to a foundation for theory development and subsequent theory testing for promoting well-being.