WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG WORKING SINGLE PARENTS

Abstract

This study aims to describe work-family conflict among employed single mothers. Single mothers carry dual responsibilities as breadwinners and primary caregivers, making them vulnerable to conflicts between work and family demands. This study employed a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The participants consisted of three employed single mothers who had children currently attending school. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that all participants experienced work-family conflict in the forms of time-based conflict, strain-based conflict, and behavior-based conflict. Time-based conflict emerged due to limited time available for child caregiving as a result of work demands. Strain-based conflict was characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of guilt, anxiety, sadness, and sleep disturbances. Meanwhile, behavior-based conflict was relatively low because the participants were able to adjust their behavior according to the demands of their roles at work and within the family. The study also found that the level of work-family conflict was influenced by individuals' ability to manage dual roles, coping strategies, and social support from family and the surrounding environment. Therefore, social support and adaptive abilities play important roles in helping single mothers cope with both work and family demands simultaneousl.