A Comparative Study of Life Satisfaction for Employed and Unemployed Mothers

유아기 자녀를 둔 취업모와 비취업모의 생활만족도 비교 연구

Using ecological perspectives, this study investigated variables that affect the life satisfaction of employed and unemployed mothers. The subjects were 623 mothers who had preschool and kindergarten age children living in Seoul, Inchon, and Kyonggi areas. Results showed that the life satisfaction was higher in employed mothers and differed by mothers' and fathers' educational level, family composition, and family income. Life satisfaction of both employed and unemployed mothers correlated highly with parental stress, husband's support of child-rearing, social support, and satisfaction with early childhood program. Husband's support of child-rearing was the strongest predictor of life satisfaction for both employed and unemployed mothers.