Parenting Stress in Working Mothers: A Case Study of Parents of Elementary School Children in Palu City

Abstract

Balancing dual roles as both employee and caregiver often places working mothers at a high risk of experiencing parenting stress, particularly during their children's elementary school years, a developmental stage that demands increased emotional and practical attention. This condition is further exacerbated by time constraints, societal expectations, and the lack of adequate support systems. This study aims to examine the level of parenting stress among working mothers in Palu City and to analyze the influence of demographic factors, working hours, number of children, educational background, and social support on the degree of parenting stress. Employing a quantitative survey method, the study involved 125 working mothers of elementary school-aged children as participants. Data were collected using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), a social support scale, and demographic questionnaires. Descriptive analysis revealed that most mothers experienced moderate to high levels of parenting stress, with Parental Distress emerging as the most prominent subscale. Correlation analysis showed significant associations between parenting stress and working hours, number of children, and educational level. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that social support was the strongest negative predictor of parenting stress (β = –0.378; p < 0.001). These findings highlight the critical role of social support and stress management strategies, particularly mindful parenting in psychosocial interventions for working mothers. Practical recommendations include parenting training programs, community-based support initiatives, and the provision of adequate work–family support facilities at the local level.