Returning to work after childbirth and women s mental health: the place of work-family conflict and of social supports in a population of working mothers in Paris area

Publication

Objective: Analysing in a cross-sectionnal study the factors associated with mental health in 1511 recently delivered women returning to work, the mediating role of work- family interface and the moderating role of social supports. Methods: Data were collected at 3 months after returning to work to assess work characteristics (COPSOQ), work family conflict (SWING), anxiodepressive symptoms (HADS), commuting, childcare, household demands, social supports. Results: Anxiety and to lesser extent depressive symptoms were associated with work factors, the opposite for the non work demands. The mediation by work-family conflict and the moderation of social supports were present especially for anxiety symptoms. Taking into account the parental constraints by the hierarchy, family support and paid personnel reduced anxiodepressive symptoms. Conclusions: Promoting mental health at returning to work of new mothers needs the assessment of total workload and resources.<br/>