| Abstract |
Maternal mental well-being is a key determinant of overall family well-being. However, various modern challenges negatively impact mothers’ well-being and increase the risk of parental burnout. This study aims to examine the roles and involvement of mothers in family institutions, their perceptions of motherhood, the key challenges they face, and the current status of their mental health status. The study involved 3,988 Malaysian mothers aged 18 and above with children. Data were collected through an online survey in May 2024 using a convenience sampling method and analysed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Findings indicate that mothers play a dominant role in doing housework (48.0%), managing children’s education (41.0%), ensuring daily needs are met (36.6%) and maintaining family health (34.8%). In terms of perception, most Malaysian mothers believe that being a mother today is more challenging than in the past. The primary challenges faced by mothers include the rising cost of living (80.0%), work-family imbalance (66.8%) and financial stress (58.9%). The study found that 32.2% of respondents reported experiencing depression due to these challenges, with 10.3% frequently feeling depressed. Additionally, only 16.6% of mothers felt that society truly understands the struggles they face. This study highlights the need for integrated interventions such as family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, and stronger social support to help mothers manage their mental well-being. These measures can alleviate maternal stress, contributing to family stability and overall societal well-being. |
