Effects of family-leisure conflict on activity restriction, frequency of leisure activities and depressive symptoms in parents of an infant

Abstract

Being a parent is related with positive outcomes, but also with high levels of stress. Among the stressors of being a parent, the conflict between parenting and other roles (e.g., work) emerge as a significant predictor of stress. However, how family interferes with the parent leisure, and the association of this interference with the parents’ distress, is scarcely explored. OBJETIVOS: The aim of this study is to analyze the association of family interference with leisure, activity restriction, leisure, and depressive symptoms in a sample of parents caring for a child between 0 to 6 years old. METODOLOGÍA: Sixty-six mothers and fathers (mean age = 40,27 years, 66.7% female) participated in this study. They completed a questionnaire including age, gender, and the main variables of the study. The data collected was analyzed using correlations and PROCESS mediation models. RESULTADOS: The results suggest that higher levels of family interference with leisure was directly (standardized coefficient =.373, CI (95%) =.135 -.612) and indirectly (standardized coefficient =.039, CI (95%) =.003 -.113) associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms through its association with higher levels of activity restriction (standardized coefficient =.284, CI =(95%).042 -.427) and lower levels of leisure (standardized coefficient = -.222, CI = (95%) -.245 - -.001). The final model explained a 30.47% Of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIÓN: The interference between one’s duties and responsibilities as a parent and the own engagement in leisure activities may contribute to a higher distress. Behavioral activation therapies may focus their effort on solving conflicts between roles when aiming to increase psychological wellness in parents of an infant child.