Difficulties in combining work and family life are a risk to mental well-being

Satisfaction with one's own work and family life and combining these are important factors in the mental well-being of working women and men. 

A recent study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) investigated the link between psychological distress and socio-demographic factors, housing and family life, lifestyle, social support, and work-related factors.

Loneliness, job dissatisfaction, and difficulties combining family life and work were the biggest risk factors for mental well-being. On the other hand, young children, access to practical and emotional support, and social activities protected against psychological distress.

"Both genders experienced similar difficulties in combining work and family life. Loneliness and dissatisfaction with work were associated with the greatest risk of psychological distress in both men and women,” says Satu Viertiö, Senior researcher at THL.

Women and men react somewhat differently

Women report more mental stress than men. The reason for the difference was not found in the reconciliation of work and family life. 

Work engagement was a risk for psychological distress in women and mental strain of work in men.
This research is part of the life course epidemiology, epigenetic mechanisms and gender differences programme that is funded by the Academy of Finland. The programme began in 2018 and will end in August 2021. 

The research data was made up from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s Regional Health, Wellbeing and Service Use Study (ATH). The data was collected between 2012–2016 and included 20–65-year-olds working full-time. 34,468 respondents participated in the survey. The research project was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District.

Source 

Viertiö S, Kiviruusu O, Piirtola M, Kaprio J, Korhonen T, Marttunen M, Suvisaari J (2021). Factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender difference. 

Contact details

Satu Viertiö
Senior Researcher
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 8784
E-mail: [email protected]