Work-related stress, social support and mother-child interaction

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between work-related stress, social support and mother-child interaction. The sample comprised of 100 working mothers in the formal sector between the ages of 20-50 years in Kampala District. The study used the quantitative approach, in particular a correlational study design. Data on work related stress was collected using the Health and Safety Executive Indicator Tool for work related stress, data on social support was collected using a Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSSPSS) while data on mother-child interaction was collected using a Mother-Child Interaction Scale (MCIS). The study had three hypotheses which were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results indicated that there was a significant relationship between work related stress and social support, that there was a negative relationship between work related stress and mother-child interaction implying that the higher the stress at work the lower the level of mother-child interaction at home. Results further indicated that there is no significant relationship between social support and mother-child interaction.