Work-Family Conflict and Stress: A Triangulated Analysis of the Plight of Working Mothers in Nigerian Universities

This study investigated the plight of working mothers of children under the age of 18 at the University of Nigeria within the context of work-family conflict, using data from a cross-sectional sample of 485 academic and non-academic staff selected through a multi-staged sampling technique. Data were obtained using questionnaires and seven IDI (in-depth interview) respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency tables, while the Chi-square was used to examine the study variables. The results indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship between couples living together and the stress experience of working mothers with under-age children. The findings further show that there is a statistically significant relationship between the staff category of working mothers and the experience of stress. This underscored the recommendation that the government needs to review the working conditions of women and support workplace policies that allow flexibility and support for working mothers. Social workers are also recommended to be involved in some government and organization policies that will help to reduce work overload for working mothers. Keywords: Work-life balance, Stress, Working mothers, Nigerian universities, Higher education.
Introduction Nowadays, mothers are expanding their lives in different careers while maintaining their traditional obligations at home (Adhikari, 2012). As a result, balancing family and work responsibilities remains a crucial [...]