Effects of Subjective Well-Being Behavior of Working Parents: The Case of Save the Children Employees in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Working parents are exempted from well-being and parenting related interventions due to the wrong assumption that they live a happier life and have positive parenting practices because of their educational and financial status. The purpose of the study was to assess the status of the subjective well-being (SWB) and parenting behaviour of working parents and the effect of subjective well-being on their parenting behaviour. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches and descriptive research design were employed. Of the 123 entire population, 93 parents were drawn as a sample and contacted. 75 of them (36 female and 39 male) responded to the survey fully. The study found out that SWB score of parents is very low, meaning their life satisfaction or happiness level is low. The women's situation is worse. On average, the parenting practices of both parents are good. Females are better parents than males. However, ‘setting limits’ and ‘proactive parenting’ stayed challenging to perform. The study revealed that subjective well- being has a significant effect on parenting behaviour. Specifically, sense of purpose, worthwhileness, feeling energy and autonomy found to be the factors affecting parenting behaviour. It found that there is a gap in subjective well-being status and parenting behaviour among the well-educated working parents which needs appropriate innervations. Further studies are necessary to understand the magnitude of the problem at a wider scope to design appropriate and contextualized interventions and policies to improve the parents’ subjective well- being and parenting behaviour.