Maltese working mothers and their impact on adolescent development

Abstract

This research project has explored how maternal employment can affect the psychosocial development of adolescents, particularly focusing on independence achievement, risk-taking behaviour and gender role identification. Using a qualitative approach, based on face-to-face interviews, the data was collected by means of personal experiences and perceptions of 16-18 year old adolescents having working and nonworking mothers. The literature review examines the adolescent's establishment of a sense of identity and acquisition of independence, which necessitates exploration of behaviours that involve an element of risk taking. This includes both international and local existent empirical research that concerns the impact of the working mother on adolescent development. This study found that irrespective if a mother works away from home or not, the adolescent's independence is achieved effectively by an authoritative style of parenting. Adolescents, raised from a young age in dual-earner families, where both parents equitably share roles and responsibilities, seem to be the most prepared for society's expectations - that of an increase in maternal employment. Though this study found no evidence that maternal employment had a negative impact on the adolescents' risk-taking behaviours, the literature revealed that latchkey adolescents seemed to be more at risk. Therefore, it should be noted that as this study's sample did not produce latchkey adolescents, further studies are much needed in order to start getting some relevant answers. This research project ends with a recommendation for a parental skills programme that contributes toward the adolescents' healthy development, which ultimately, promotes the wellbeing of society at large.