Employment Choices for Mothers of Pre-School Children, 1998-2000

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>This project examined the psychological processes and demographic variables which predict the decisions women make about returning to work after they have their first child. A cohort survey of 413 women was carried out - questionnaire surveys were conducted in pregnancy and at six and 12 months post-partum. In addition, a sub-sample of 52 women took part in semi-structured interviews (not included in this dataset), where work plans, attitudes and beliefs were explored. The aims of this research were threefold: to examine the psychological processes and demographi variables behind women's decisions about work and childcare after they have their first child; to explore changes in attitudes, beliefs, norms and identity as a function of becoming a mother and beginning a new pattern of work and/or childcare; and to look at the impact of employment/childcare choices on family relationships and psychological well-being.<br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>The dataset contains coded responses to the three questionnnaires. The first questionnaire (Time 1) was conducted in the later stages of the respondent's pregnancy, Time 2 was conducted when the child was six months old, and Time 3 around the time of the child's first birthday. The data cover pregnancy, motherhood, attitudes to childcare and working mothers, health, employment issues and domestic roles.<br>
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Standard Measures<br>
Likert scales were used in the questionnaires.