Working mother of a young child and her coping strategies for stress

the article explores the specific features of coping strategies used by working mothers of young children. The relevance of this topic stems from the increasing demands placed on women who combine professional responsibilities with motherhood, especially in the context of a fast-paced lifestyle and insufficient social support. The empirical research was conducted using validated psychodiagnostic tools, including the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-25), Lazarus and Folkman’s coping questionnaires, as well as the SACS and MDICS instruments. The sample consisted of 51 female respondents, categorized according to their children’s age groups and employment status. The results revealed that working mothers exhibit a higher level of stress compared to non-working mothers, which was confirmed by statistically significant differences on the PSM-25 scale. At the same time, they more frequently employ adaptive coping strategies such as seeking social support and positive reappraisal, reflecting a tendency toward constructive stress management. However, a portion of respondents also displayed maladaptive behavioral patterns such as avoidance, impulsive, and manipulative actions, indicating a need for additional psychological support. Based on the findings, practical recommendations were formulated to reduce chronic stress and enhance the psychological resilience of working mothers. These include the development of corporate support programs, flexible work arrangements, active involvement of family members in childcare, the use of professional assistance, and the application of psychological support and relaxation techniques. The study concludes with a call for further research into women's stress resilience and the development of comprehensive support measures that facilitate the balance between professional and parental roles.

stress, coping behavior, working mother, coping strategies, adaptation, psychological resilience