Parental Time Pressures and Depression Among Married Dual-Earner Parents

Abstract

This article examines whether there is an association between depression and parental time pressure among employed parents. Using a sample of 248 full-time employed parents and using the stress process framework, I also examine the extent to which gender, socioeconomic status, social support, and job conditions account for variation in the association between parenting strains and depression. Results indicate that parental time pressure is significantly associated with depression among mothers and fathers, and that well-off parents are significantly less depressed by parental time strains than less affluent parents. A significant portion of the association between parental time strains and depression is explained by job demands, and perceived social support does not buffer the association between parental time pressure and depression. Women in high control jobs are less depressed by parental time pressure than other employed mothers but conversely, among fathers, high job control amplifies the association between parental time pressure and depression.