The Ripple Effect: Working Mother’s Mental Health and its Impact on Children

The Ripple Effect: Working Mother’s Mental Health and its Impact on Children | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Ripple Effect: Working Mother’s Mental Health and its Impact on Children Raseena v This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6932661/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: The mental health of working mothers is a growing concern due to increasing workloads, societal expectations, and parenting responsibilities. These factors can result in psychological distress and adversely affect children’s emotional and behavioral development. Objectives: To investigate mental health challenges faced by working mothers, assess their impact on children, and explore the potential of digital technologies in improving maternal well-being. Methods: A purposive sample of 60 working mothers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on mental health, parenting challenges, and use of digital tools. Results: Burnout (36.7%), sleep disturbances (43.3%), and anxiety (31.7%) were common among participants. Behavioral issues in children—such as increased screen time and mood swings—were reported by 46.7% of mothers. Despite available digital tools, 75% had never used them. Conclusion: Mental health issues among working mothers significantly affect children. Digital tools hold promise but are underutilized. Raising awareness and improving accessibility can promote better outcomes for both mothers and children. Mental health of working mothers Impact of maternal stress on children Parental care and child development Technology-based stress management Digital tools for mental well-being Parenting in the digital age. 1. Introduction The participation of women in the workforce has increased significantly over the past few decades, with women now comprising a larger share of the global labour market. However, despite these advancements, working mothers continue to face the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with parenting duties, which can lead to increased stress and potential burnout. The pressure to excel in both realms often results in significant mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Societal expectations, such as the pressure to be the primary caregiver while excelling at work, further exacerbate these issues. Advancements in digital technology, however, offer new opportunities to alleviate these challenges. From mental health applications to AI-driven tools and smart childcare solutions, technology has the potential to improve the mental well-being of working mothers significantly. These tools provide not only stress management solutions but also foster work-life balance, enhance productivity, and promote emotional well-being. Moreover, digital platforms that offer remote work and flexible work arrangements empower working mothers to balance their careers with family responsibilities more effectively. Due to the lack of parental care, especially in families where both parents, particularly mothers, are working, children often experience noticeable behavioural changes. This is a significant concern in our society, as these children represent the future of our community. When emotional support, supervision, and quality time are reduced, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, attention-seeking behaviour, or even academic and social struggles. Therefore, balancing work and parenting responsibilities is crucial for the holistic development of children. Objectives of the study : To investigate the mental health challenges commonly experienced by working mothers as a result of balancing professional and parenting responsibilities. To examine the behavioural and emotional effects on children in households where both parents, particularly mothers, are employed full-time. To explore the potential of digital technologies—such as mental health applications, AI tools, and remote work platforms—in supporting the mental well-being and work-life balance of working mothers. 2. Methodology A sample of 60 working mothers was selected using a purposive sampling technique, targeting individuals from various employment backgrounds. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising both demographic questions and items related to work patterns, mental health, and parenting challenges. The questionnaire was developed specifically for this study by the authors. An English version of the questionnaire is provided as Supplementary File 1.The questionnaire included both multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions. Descriptive statistical tools were applied to analyze the data and identify patterns related to employment status, work hours, use of digital mental health tools, and perceived impact on child behavior. The study aimed to examine the interrelationship between professional responsibilities, maternal well-being, and parenting outcomes. 3. Result A sample of 60 working mothers was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the survey responses related to employment type, working hours, mental health status, and parenting challenges. The findings of the study reveal that difficulty in maintaining work–life balance is a prominent issue among working mothers, especially those engaged in full-time employment with extended working hours. The study also highlights that mental health concerns such as sleep disturbances, burnout, and anxiety are prevalent. Furthermore, the limited availability of mothers due to professional commitments has been linked to behavioral changes in children, with increased screen time and reduced communication being the most commonly reported issues. The underutilization of digital mental health tools suggests a potential gap in awareness or accessibility. Table 1 Demographic Profile of Working Mothers (N = 60) Variable Response Option Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Age Group 25–30 14 23.3 31–35 5 8.3 36–40 5 8.3 41–45 20 33.3 Above 45 16 26.7 Employment Type Full-time 49 81.7 Part-time 7 11.7 Freelance/Remote 3 5.0 Self-employed 1 1.6 Number of Children 1 15 25.0 2 20 33.3 3 21 35.0 4 3 5.0 Others (input errors) 1 1.7 Table 2 Work–Life Balance and Mental Health Challenges Variable Response Option Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Work–Parenting Balance Difficulty 1 (Very Easy) 4 6.7 2 3 5.0 3 21 35.0 3.5 1 1.7 4 12 20.0 5 (Very Difficult) 17 28.3 Weekly Working Hours Less than 20 13 21.7 20–40 31 51.7 More than 40 16 26.7 Job Impact on Child Time Yes, significantly 31 51.7 Yes, slightly 25 41.7 No 4 6.6 Mental Health in Last 6 Months Anxiety 19 31.7 Burnout 22 36.7 Depression 18 30.0 Sleep disturbances 26 43.3 None of the above 9 15.0 Table 3 Use of Technology and Child Behavior Outcomes Variable Response Option Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Use of Digital Mental Health Tools Yes 5 8.3 Occasionally 10 16.7 No 45 75.0 Effectiveness of Digital Tools Yes 19 35.0 No 20 33.3 Not sure 21 31.7 Child’s Behavioural Change Observed Yes 28 46.7 No 17 28.3 Not sure 15 25.0 Type of Behavioural Change Increased screen time 14 23.3 Mood swings 7 11.7 Drop in academic performance 11 18.3 Reduced communication 8 13.3 Attention-seeking behaviour 4 6.7 Others (unspecified) 16 26.7 4. Discussion The present study highlights critical challenges faced by working mothers in managing professional responsibilities alongside parenting duties. The data suggests that full-time employment and extended working hours significantly contribute to work–life imbalance. This aligns with previous research indicating that long work hours are a major predictor of stress and reduced family engagement among working women (e.g., [ 1 ]). A striking finding is the prevalence of mental health issues such as burnout, sleep disturbances, and anxiety—conditions commonly associated with role overload and lack of personal time. Despite this, the low adoption of digital mental health tools (only 8.3% using them regularly) reveals a gap in awareness, accessibility, or trust in these resources. This underutilization represents a missed opportunity for self-care and support, especially given the proven effectiveness of digital interventions in managing stress ([ 2 ]). Furthermore, the observation that 46.7% of mothers noted behavioral changes in their children—such as increased screen time, reduced communication, and mood swings—suggests that the emotional and developmental needs of children may be compromised due to parental work demands. These findings reinforce Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which emphasizes the influence of parental availability and emotional presence on child development. The study underscores the need for employer-driven interventions such as flexible work schedules, mental health support programs, and the promotion of digital wellness tools. Additionally, raising awareness among working mothers about available support systems may help reduce stress and improve overall well-being—for both mothers and their children. Limitations This study was limited by a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these findings across broader populations. 5. Supporting Literature on Maternal Mental Health Trends Recent studies and surveys have highlighted the increasing mental health challenges faced by working women, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. The American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America Survey reports that women continue to experience higher stress levels compared to men, with nearly half of working women indicating that they feel stressed "a lot of the day." This stress is often compounded by the pressure to balance both professional and caregiving roles, leading many women to contemplate reducing their working hours or leaving their jobs altogether due to childcare responsibilities (). Moreover, [ 4 ]'s 2023 Report indicates that 23.8% of women currently experience depression or are undergoing treatment for it, representing a significant increase from previous years. This higher rate of depression underscores the growing concern about women's mental health, particularly in the workplace (). A report from [ 5 ], a mental health app, reveals that one in three working women experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. These figures reflect a widespread issue that has only intensified in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted by the World Health Organization ([ 6 ]), the pandemic has led to a 25% increase in global anxiety and depression rates, with women disproportionately affected by the mental health crisis. This surge in mental health challenges highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to support working women’s well-being (). 6. Role of Technology in Supporting Maternal Mental Health 6.1 Digital Mental Health Platforms Online mental health platforms such as therapy apps, AI chatbots, and guided meditation programs offer easily accessible mental health support for working mothers. These platforms provide counseling, stress management techniques, and self-care guidance. 6.2 AI-Powered Mental Health Support Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing mental health care with virtual therapists, mood tracking, and personalized recommendations for stress relief. AI chatbots like Woebot and [ 5 ] offer emotional support and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions. 6.3 Remote Work and Flexible Work Arrangements Remote work technology enables working mothers to manage their careers while being more available for their children. Video conferencing, project management software, and cloud collaboration tools help women balance work and family life. 6.4 Smart Childcare Solutions Innovations in childcare technology, such as AI-powered baby monitors, smart scheduling apps, and virtual tutoring platforms, help working mothers ensure their children receive adequate care and supervision while they focus on work responsibilities. 6.5 Wearable Technology for Stress Management: Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor stress levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns, offering insights into mental well-being and recommending relaxation exercises. 6.6 Workplace Digital Wellness Programs Employers are implementing technology-driven wellness programs, including virtual therapy sessions, stress management apps, and digital employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support mental health at work. By utilizing these technological solutions, working mothers can better manage the mental health challenges they face, making it easier to balance their professional and personal responsibilities 7. Ego-Related Challenges in the Workplace and Technological Solutions Working mothers often face unique ego-related challenges in the workplace, which can influence interpersonal dynamics, career growth, and emotional well-being. These challenges include: Gender Bias and Discrimination: Stereotypes about caregiving roles often result in biased judgments about competence and commitment. Conflict with Colleagues: Competition or ego clashes can increase when working mothers seek advancement while managing dual responsibilities. Pressure to Prove Themselves: Working mothers may feel they must constantly outperform peers to demonstrate value. 7.1 Technological Solutions to Mitigate Ego-Driven Challenges 7.1.1 Anonymous Feedback Tools (e.g., Officevibe, TinyPulse): Allow employees to give and receive honest, ego-free feedback. Help management identify issues like gender bias or team tension without targeting individuals. 7.1.2 Bias-Detection AI in HR Platforms (e.g., Applied, Textio): Use algorithms to detect biased language in job evaluations, promotions, and feedback. Help create a more inclusive and emotionally safer workplace. 7.1.3 Digital Performance Dashboards: Provide objective performance tracking using metrics rather than subjective impressions, reducing ego-based comparisons. Help working mothers demonstrate their contributions clearly and fairly. 7.1.4 Remote Work Platforms (e.g., Slack, MS Teams with emotional intelligence plug-ins): Reduce face-to-face ego clashes by facilitating asynchronous, task-focused communication. Some tools integrate sentiment analysis or mood tracking to detect signs of team strain early. 7.1.5 Virtual Mentorship & Support Networks (e.g., Lean In Circles, Torch): Connect working mothers with experienced mentors and peer groups virtually. Offer a space to share struggles and coping strategies without judgment or workplace politics. Conclusion In today’s fast-paced world, many crucial challenges faced by working mothers and families are being addressed through advanced technologies. From mental health apps to digital safety tools, technology offers innovative solutions that can ease the stress of parenting and help maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, it is equally important to raise awareness about the emotional and psychological impact on children who grow up without adequate parental care. When children are left unattended or emotionally disconnected due to the demands of modern life, they may miss out on the richness of childhood, a time meant for bonding, nurturing, and emotional development. This lack of early support can lead to long-term personal and psychological challenges. Therefore, while encouraging the use of modern tools and technologies, parents — especially working mothers — must also be reminded of the irreplaceable role they play in their children’s upbringing. A balanced approach that integrates smart technology with conscious parenting can ensure both the well-being of the parent and the holistic development of the child. Let us use technology not to replace care, but to enhance it, making space for a future where both mothers and children thrive together. Declarations Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayur. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Consent for Publication: Not applicable . Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Availability of Data and Materials : The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly available due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. However, anonymized data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and subject to ethical approval. Human Ethics and Consent to Participate Declarations: This research involved human participants and adhered to ethical guidelines. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation. Competing Interests : The author declares no competing interests. Corresponding Author: Raseena V Email : [email protected] Table Citations: The demographic profile of the respondents is summarized in Table 1. Work-life balance and mental health statistics are shown in Table 2. Technology usage and observed child behavioral outcomes are listed in Table 3. Author Contribution There is only one author References Bianchi SM, Milkie MA. Work and family research in the first decade of the 21st century. J Marriage Fam. 2010;72(3):705–25. Andersson G, Titov N. Advantages and limitations of Internet-based interventions for common mental disorders. World Psychiatry. 2014;13(1):4–11. American Psychological Association. Work in America Survey 2023: Stress and well-being in the workplace. [Internet]. APA; 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america Gallup. State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Wysa. Wysa Mental Health Insights Report 2023. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.wysa.io/insights World Health Organization. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. [Internet]. WHO. 2022 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files EnglishQuestionnaireStudy.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe participation of women in the workforce has increased significantly over the past few decades, with women now comprising a larger share of the global labour market. However, despite these advancements, working mothers continue to face the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with parenting duties, which can lead to increased stress and potential burnout. The pressure to excel in both realms often results in significant mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Societal expectations, such as the pressure to be the primary caregiver while excelling at work, further exacerbate these issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdvancements in digital technology, however, offer new opportunities to alleviate these challenges. From mental health applications to AI-driven tools and smart childcare solutions, technology has the potential to improve the mental well-being of working mothers significantly. These tools provide not only stress management solutions but also foster work-life balance, enhance productivity, and promote emotional well-being. Moreover, digital platforms that offer remote work and flexible work arrangements empower working mothers to balance their careers with family responsibilities more effectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to the lack of parental care, especially in families where both parents, particularly mothers, are working, children often experience noticeable behavioural changes. This is a significant concern in our society, as these children represent the future of our community. When emotional support, supervision, and quality time are reduced, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, attention-seeking behaviour, or even academic and social struggles. Therefore, balancing work and parenting responsibilities is crucial for the holistic development of children.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eObjectives of the study\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo investigate the mental health challenges commonly experienced by working mothers as a result of balancing professional and parenting responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo examine the behavioural and emotional effects on children in households where both parents, particularly mothers, are employed full-time.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo explore the potential of digital technologies—such as mental health applications, AI tools, and remote work platforms—in supporting the mental well-being and work-life balance of working mothers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eA sample of 60 working mothers was selected using a purposive sampling technique, targeting individuals from various employment backgrounds. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising both demographic questions and items related to work patterns, mental health, and parenting challenges. The questionnaire was developed specifically for this study by the authors. An English version of the questionnaire is provided as Supplementary File 1.The questionnaire included both multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions. Descriptive statistical tools were applied to analyze the data and identify patterns related to employment status, work hours, use of digital mental health tools, and perceived impact on child behavior. The study aimed to examine the interrelationship between professional responsibilities, maternal well-being, and parenting outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Result","content":"\u003cp\u003eA sample of 60 working mothers was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the survey responses related to employment type, working hours, mental health status, and parenting challenges. The findings of the study reveal that difficulty in maintaining work\u0026ndash;life balance is a prominent issue among working mothers, especially those engaged in full-time employment with extended working hours. The study also highlights that mental health concerns such as sleep disturbances, burnout, and anxiety are prevalent. Furthermore, the limited availability of mothers due to professional commitments has been linked to behavioral changes in children, with increased screen time and reduced communication being the most commonly reported issues. 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colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbove 45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment Type\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFull-time\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart-time\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFreelance/Remote\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-employed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of Children\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers (input errors)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWork\u0026ndash;Life Balance and Mental Health Challenges\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResponse Option\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWork\u0026ndash;Parenting Balance Difficulty\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (Very Easy)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (Very Difficult)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeekly Working Hours\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLess than 20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore than 40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJob Impact on Child Time\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, significantly\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, slightly\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMental Health in Last 6 Months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnxiety\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBurnout\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepression\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSleep disturbances\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone of the above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse of Technology and Child Behavior Outcomes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResponse Option\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse of Digital Mental Health Tools\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEffectiveness of Digital Tools\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot sure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChild\u0026rsquo;s Behavioural Change Observed\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot sure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of Behavioural Change\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncreased screen time\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMood swings\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrop in academic performance\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eReduced communication\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAttention-seeking behaviour\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers (unspecified)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study highlights critical challenges faced by working mothers in managing professional responsibilities alongside parenting duties. The data suggests that full-time employment and extended working hours significantly contribute to work\u0026ndash;life imbalance. This aligns with previous research indicating that long work hours are a major predictor of stress and reduced family engagement among working women (e.g., [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA striking finding is the prevalence of mental health issues such as burnout, sleep disturbances, and anxiety\u0026mdash;conditions commonly associated with role overload and lack of personal time. Despite this, the low adoption of digital mental health tools (only 8.3% using them regularly) reveals a gap in awareness, accessibility, or trust in these resources. This underutilization represents a missed opportunity for self-care and support, especially given the proven effectiveness of digital interventions in managing stress ([\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the observation that 46.7% of mothers noted behavioral changes in their children\u0026mdash;such as increased screen time, reduced communication, and mood swings\u0026mdash;suggests that the emotional and developmental needs of children may be compromised due to parental work demands. These findings reinforce Bronfenbrenner\u0026rsquo;s ecological systems theory, which emphasizes the influence of parental availability and emotional presence on child development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study underscores the need for employer-driven interventions such as flexible work schedules, mental health support programs, and the promotion of digital wellness tools. Additionally, raising awareness among working mothers about available support systems may help reduce stress and improve overall well-being\u0026mdash;for both mothers and their children.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLimitations\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was limited by a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these findings across broader populations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Supporting Literature on Maternal Mental Health Trends","content":"\u003cp\u003eRecent studies and surveys have highlighted the increasing mental health challenges faced by working women, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. The American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America Survey reports that women continue to experience higher stress levels compared to men, with nearly half of working women indicating that they feel stressed \"a lot of the day.\" This stress is often compounded by the pressure to balance both professional and caregiving roles, leading many women to contemplate reducing their working hours or leaving their jobs altogether due to childcare responsibilities ().\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]'s 2023 Report indicates that 23.8% of women currently experience depression or are undergoing treatment for it, representing a significant increase from previous years. This higher rate of depression underscores the growing concern about women's mental health, particularly in the workplace ().\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA report from [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e], a mental health app, reveals that one in three working women experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. These figures reflect a widespread issue that has only intensified in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted by the World Health Organization ([\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]), the pandemic has led to a 25% increase in global anxiety and depression rates, with women disproportionately affected by the mental health crisis. This surge in mental health challenges highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to support working women\u0026rsquo;s well-being ().\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Role of Technology in Supporting Maternal Mental Health","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.1 Digital Mental Health Platforms\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnline mental health platforms such as therapy apps, AI chatbots, and guided meditation programs offer easily accessible mental health support for working mothers. These platforms provide counseling, stress management techniques, and self-care guidance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.2 AI-Powered Mental Health Support\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eArtificial intelligence is revolutionizing mental health care with virtual therapists, mood tracking, and personalized recommendations for stress relief. AI chatbots like Woebot and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] offer emotional support and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.3 Remote Work and Flexible Work Arrangements\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemote work technology enables working mothers to manage their careers while being more available for their children. Video conferencing, project management software, and cloud collaboration tools help women balance work and family life.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.4 Smart Childcare Solutions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eInnovations in childcare technology, such as AI-powered baby monitors, smart scheduling apps, and virtual tutoring platforms, help working mothers ensure their children receive adequate care and supervision while they focus on work responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.5 Wearable Technology for Stress Management:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor stress levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns, offering insights into mental well-being and recommending relaxation exercises.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.6 Workplace Digital Wellness Programs\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmployers are implementing technology-driven wellness programs, including virtual therapy sessions, stress management apps, and digital employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support mental health at work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy utilizing these technological solutions, working mothers can better manage the mental health challenges they face, making it easier to balance their professional and personal responsibilities\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"7. Ego-Related Challenges in the Workplace and Technological Solutions","content":"\u003cp\u003eWorking mothers often face unique ego-related challenges in the workplace, which can influence interpersonal dynamics, career growth, and emotional well-being. These challenges include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGender Bias and Discrimination: Stereotypes about caregiving roles often result in biased judgments about competence and commitment.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConflict with Colleagues: Competition or ego clashes can increase when working mothers seek advancement while managing dual responsibilities.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePressure to Prove Themselves: Working mothers may feel they must constantly outperform peers to demonstrate value.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7.1 Technological Solutions to Mitigate Ego-Driven Challenges\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.1.1 Anonymous Feedback Tools (e.g., Officevibe, TinyPulse):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAllow employees to give and receive honest, ego-free feedback.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHelp management identify issues like gender bias or team tension without targeting individuals.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.1.2 Bias-Detection AI in HR Platforms (e.g., Applied, Textio):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUse algorithms to detect biased language in job evaluations, promotions, and feedback.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHelp create a more inclusive and emotionally safer workplace.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.1.3 Digital Performance Dashboards:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eProvide objective performance tracking using metrics rather than subjective impressions, reducing ego-based comparisons.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHelp working mothers demonstrate their contributions clearly and fairly.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.1.4 Remote Work Platforms (e.g., Slack, MS Teams with emotional intelligence plug-ins):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eReduce face-to-face ego clashes by facilitating asynchronous, task-focused communication.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSome tools integrate sentiment analysis or mood tracking to detect signs of team strain early.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.1.5 Virtual Mentorship \u0026amp; Support Networks (e.g., Lean In Circles, Torch):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConnect working mothers with experienced mentors and peer groups virtually.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOffer a space to share struggles and coping strategies without judgment or workplace politics.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn today\u0026rsquo;s fast-paced world, many crucial challenges faced by working mothers and families are being addressed through advanced technologies. From mental health apps to digital safety tools, technology offers innovative solutions that can ease the stress of parenting and help maintain a healthy work-life balance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, it is equally important to raise awareness about the emotional and psychological impact on children who grow up without adequate parental care. When children are left unattended or emotionally disconnected due to the demands of modern life, they may miss out on the richness of childhood, a time meant for bonding, nurturing, and emotional development. This lack of early support can lead to long-term personal and psychological challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, while encouraging the use of modern tools and technologies, parents \u0026mdash; especially working mothers \u0026mdash; must also be reminded of the irreplaceable role they play in their children\u0026rsquo;s upbringing. A balanced approach that integrates smart technology with conscious parenting can ensure both the well-being of the parent and the holistic development of the child.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet us use technology not to replace care, but to enhance it, making space for a future where both mothers and children thrive together.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003eEthics Approval and Consent to Participate: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayur. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication:\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of Data and Materials\u003c/strong\u003e: The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly available due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. However, anonymized data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and subject to ethical approval.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHuman Ethics and Consent to Participate Declarations:\u003c/strong\u003e This research involved human participants and adhered to ethical guidelines. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e: The author declares no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorresponding Author:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eRaseena V\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmail\u003c/strong\u003e: [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable Citations:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe demographic profile of the respondents is summarized in Table 1. Work-life balance and mental health statistics are shown in Table 2. Technology usage and observed child behavioral outcomes are listed in Table 3.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is only one author\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBianchi SM, Milkie MA. Work and family research in the first decade of the 21st century. J Marriage Fam. 2010;72(3):705\u0026ndash;25.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndersson G, Titov N. Advantages and limitations of Internet-based interventions for common mental disorders. World Psychiatry. 2014;13(1):4\u0026ndash;11.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican Psychological Association. Work in America Survey 2023: Stress and well-being in the workplace. [Internet]. APA; 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGallup. State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWysa. Wysa Mental Health Insights Report 2023. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.wysa.io/insights\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.wysa.io/insights\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Health Organization. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. [Internet]. WHO. 2022 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Mental health of working mothers, Impact of maternal stress on children, Parental care and child development, Technology-based stress management, Digital tools for mental well-being, Parenting in the digital age.","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6932661/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6932661/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe mental health of working mothers is a growing concern due to increasing workloads, societal expectations, and parenting responsibilities. These factors can result in psychological distress and adversely affect children’s emotional and behavioral development.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjectives:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTo investigate mental health challenges faced by working mothers, assess their impact on children, and explore the potential of digital technologies in improving maternal well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA purposive sample of 60 working mothers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on mental health, parenting challenges, and use of digital tools.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBurnout (36.7%), sleep disturbances (43.3%), and anxiety (31.7%) were common among participants. Behavioral issues in children—such as increased screen time and mood swings—were reported by 46.7% of mothers. Despite available digital tools, 75% had never used them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMental health issues among working mothers significantly affect children. Digital tools hold promise but are underutilized. Raising awareness and improving accessibility can promote better outcomes for both mothers and children.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Ripple Effect: Working Mother’s Mental Health and its Impact on Children","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-14 14:56:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6932661/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"dab1db12-a5f5-4bfa-bd98-05e60a3928c5","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 14th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-06T22:53:49+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-14 14:56:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6932661","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6932661","identity":"rs-6932661","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}