Parenting Practices, Family Environment and Children Emotional Problems of Single and Married Working Mothers

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to compare the perceived parenting practices, family environment, and children's emotional problems of single and married working mothers in Lahore, Pakistan.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of the study: The study was carried out at COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, from January to October 2019.

Subjects and Method: 50 married and 35 single working mother’s ages between 26-55 years, having at least one child of age ages 6-15 years were selected through the purposive sampling technique. The recruited samples (M= 37.68 and SD = 7.25). A Demographic Information Sheet, Parenting Practices Questionnaire, Child Emotional Problem Questionnaire, and Family Environment Questionnaire were administered to assess study objectives.

Results and Conclusion: Married mothers scored high on measures of the family environment than their counterparts. Whereas single mothers significantly scored high on measures of parental practices. Furthermore, results also demonstrated that single working mothers feel more rejected as compared to married mothers. On the other hand, single working mothers use distressful and disciplined parenting practices to rear their children. Findings suggest the need for awareness of the importance and significance of family environment, exercise of parenting practices, and regularly monitoring and managing children's emotions