Article

Work-Parenting Gains and Strains for Dual-Earner Parents with Early Adolescent Children: Application of the Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Model (ACLM) and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)

Author

Shin Hye-Yong, Park Jihyeon, Lee Kangyi, Park Youjeong

Information

pp. 91~105 / 2024 Vol.31 No.2

Abstract

This study examines whether the perceived gains and strains experienced by dual-earner parents with early adolescent children in balancing work and parenting have an impact not only on themselves but also on their spouses over time. Using data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey(12th to 14th waves), involving 400 pairs of parents(800 individuals) with both parents employed, responses were analyzed through the autoregressive cross-lagged modeling(ACLM) and the actor-partner interdependence model(APIM). First, the results revealed that perceptions of work-parenting gains were generally higher than the medium for both parents, with mothers slightly lower than fathers, whereas perceptions of the strains were generally lower than medium for both parents, with mothers slightly higher than fathers. Second, the perceived gains and strains of parents in balancing work and parenting had a positive impact on their own perceptions the following year. Third, while fathers' perceptions did not influence mothers' perceptions,mothers' perceptions had a positive impact on fathers' perceptions the following year. These findings underscore the necessity of communication support to facilitate dualearner parents in maintaining a continual balance between work and childcare responsibilities as collaborative partners.

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