The association between essentialist attitudes and parental distress: A mixed-methods study

Objective

This mixed-methods study investigated how maternal essentialist attitudes impact parental distress and depression symptoms while amplifying mothers' narratives.

Background

The relation between intensive mothering attitudes and markers of poor mental well-being in mothers remains evident, yet the mechanisms underpinning these associations have yet to be fully elucidated. By leveraging symbolic interactionism and a feminist perspective, this study reveals the impact of traditional gender ideals related to parenting young children and its association with parental distress and depression. We also advocate for societal and policy changes across domestic, public, and clinical spheres to address and rectify these issues for promoting equitable social change.

Method

Participants were 255 mothers of 3- to 5-year-old children in the United States who completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression was used to estimate the associations between essentialist attitudes, parental distress, and symptoms of depression. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative responses.

Results

Essentialist attitudes significantly predicted variation in reports of parental distress but not depression symptomology. Qualitative responses revealed themes that help explain the quantitative results, including an emphasis on gendered parenting messages from society.

Conclusion

Essentialist attitudes was related to more maternal parenting distress. Mothers perceived themselves to be under more parenting pressure than fathers.

Implications

Dismantling intensive mothering requires the elevation of fathers through practical policy change.