Comparative Analysis of Parent - Child Relationship, Parental Stress, and Coping Strategies among Employed and Unemployed Mothers of Preschoolers

Fathima Rosly, Dr. Audry Pinto

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the perceived parental stress, parent - child relationship, and coping mechanisms among working and non - working mothers of pre - schoolers. A total of 150 participants from different cities of the Kozhikode district, Kerala, were selected. The study utilized the Parental Stress Scale developed by Berry and Jones 1995, the Coping Scale by Hampy and Grych 2015, and the Pianta Parent Child Relationship Scale by Robert C. Pianta 1992. The results revealed a significant relationship between parent - child relationship and coping in both working and non - working mothers. However, there was no significant relationship between parent - child relationship and parental stress. The study also found a significant relationship between parental stress and coping in non - working mothers, but not in working mothers. The findings suggest that higher coping strategies result in better parent - child relationships.

Keywords: Parental stress, parent child relationship and coping