Year: 2024 | Month: May | Volume: 14 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 385-395
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240551
Fear of Reintegration and Maternal Guilt in Working Women-Post Maternity Leave
CH Srikruthi1, Dr. Deepthi Vijayan2
1Student, Department of Psychology, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India
Corresponding Author: CH Srikruthi
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to investigate the fear of reintegration and maternal guilt in working women following their maternity leave. The study aimed to explore the emotional experiences that working mothers have, post maternity leave and the factors that contribute to these emotions. It also focused on various coping mechanisms and strategies employed by them to manage fear and guilt. Targeted number of participants were 12 women, working in IT, Medical, Public and Private sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a hybrid medium. Thematic analysis was incorporated in order to perform data analysis. The findings revealed that working mothers often experienced guilt over leaving their infants. Though they have fear of reintegration, they employ coping strategies and support systems to ease the process, emphasizing the need for understanding and support in achieving work-life balance.
Key words: Fear, Maternal Guilt, Reintegration, Working mothers