Exploring Labour Division and Parental Stress During Early Parenthood

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dc.contributor.authorTaylor, Chelsea
dc.date.accessioned2025-12-23T23:50:58Z
dc.date.available2025-12-23T23:50:58Z
dc.date.issued2025-11
dc.description.abstractThe transition to parenthood is a critical period marked by high stress, particularly when caregiving and household responsibilities are unequally divided. This capstone explores how the equitable division of unpaid labour between partners impacts chronic stress and mental well-being in new parents. Guided by the question How does an equitable distribution of co-parenting tasks impact chronic stress in new parents? The author synthesises empirical studies from psychology and family research. Using thematic analysis of 13 peer-reviewed articles selected through comprehensive database searches, the author identifies recurring themes related to gendered labour inequities, their psychological effects on mothers and fathers, and the central role of partner support. Major findings indicate that unequal labour division elevates parental stress, emotional exhaustion, and depressive symptoms, which in turn affects family functioning and child development. The review highlights a notable gap in the literature concerning the protective and relational benefits of equitable labour sharing. In response, in Chapter Four the author examines clinical interventions and recommendations for counsellors who support clients who are navigating these inequities and their associated mental-health impacts. Drawing on feminist and systemic frameworks, the author emphasises that relational therapy models can help couples to recognise and renegotiate the power dynamics embedded in caregiving roles. The author concludes by underscoring the importance of integrating these perspectives into research and practice to promote relational equity, reduce chronic stress, and enhance family well-being, with implications for adaptation across diverse family structures.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/5095
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionCity University of Seattle (CityU)
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
dc.rightsopenAccess
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/
dc.subjectdivision of labour
dc.subjectequitable co-parenting
dc.subjectparental stress
dc.subjectgendered labour
dc.subjectcounselling psychology
dc.titleExploring Labour Division and Parental Stress During Early Parenthood
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineCounselling
thesis.degree.grantorCity University of Seattle (CityU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Counselling
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