The Presence of Meaning in Parenthood, Perceived Social Support, and Happiness of Mothers Living in Hong Kong: A Comparative Study on Younger and Older Mothers.

Siu-Ming To,Lei Yang,Ming-Wai Yan

doi:10.3390/ijerph19052730

Abstract

This study investigates whether and how mothers’ meaning of parenthood and their perceived social support interact and are associated with their happiness. Similarities and differences in these areas between younger and older mothers are also explored. A total of 1292 Chinese mothers were recruited from different Hong Kong communities; 361 were 24 years of age and younger and were categorized as younger mothers, and 931 were older than 24 years of age and were categorized as older mothers. Multiple regression analyses were performed to discern direct and interaction effects. The results show that older mothers were happier than younger mothers and indicate that parental meaning and perceived social support had a positive effect on the happiness of both younger and older mothers. Notably, while the results reveal significant interaction effects between the meaning of parenthood and perceived social support from significant others and friends on the happiness of older mothers, these effects are not found among younger mothers. This study suggests that the social support young mothers receive from their significant others and friends does not amplify the association between their meaning of parenthood and happiness. These findings provide insights into the importance of synergizing social support and meaning-making among younger mothers.

Highlights

Academic Editor: Agata Faron-Motherhood is a significant part of many women’s lives
On the basis that Hypothesis 1 (H1) and Hypothesis 2 (H2) were primarily supported, we investigated whether perceived social support from each of the three sources moderated the association between the presence of meaning in motherhood and happiness for younger and older mothers, respectively (i.e., Hypothesis 3 (H3))
The results indicated that the presence of meaning in parenthood and perceived social support both have a positive effect on the happiness of younger and older mothers

Summary

Introduction

Academic Editor: Agata Faron-Motherhood is a significant part of many women’s lives. Especially in societies where traditional gender roles persist, being a mother is regarded as an essential role and a regular duty within a woman’s life [1]. In the transition to motherhood, a woman may experience the joy of being a parent, and she may face tremendous physical, psychological, and social adaption challenges associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and child-raising. These can contribute to a woman’s happiness in motherhood and maternal satisfaction, the coexistence of maternal stress can deteriorate these emotions [3]. When facing transitional life experiences and challenging tasks, various factors have been found to influence an individual’s subjective well-being and happiness, including sociodemographic variables, personality, self-appraisal, and the presence of a supportive environment [4].

Methods

Results

Conclusion