Exploring the Anxiety Level and Emerging Issues of WFH Mothers Amidst the Pandemic

Authors

  • Dr. Geraldine F. Santos Polytechnic University of the Philippines Author
  • Dr. Aimee Rose Arguelles-Manda Polytechnic University of the Philippines Author
  • Ma. Jeanette A. De Guzman Polytechnic University of the Philippines Author
  • Cynthia P. Equiza Polytechnic University of the Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70922/wx9dyz98

Keywords:

Covid-19, Pandemic, Anxiety, work-from-home mothers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, as does the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the response needed to control the spread and impact of the virus (WHO, 2022). The global public health risk was very high in WHO’s most recent global rapid risk assessment, conducted on 07 January 2022. The spread of COVID-19 has thrown work and life into terribly uncertain waters. The lockdowns and work-from-home setups brought the already precarious position–family balance into direct conflict for many working parents, with even more significant impact on mothers. 

A mixed-method convergent parallel design was utilized to examine the anxiety level using the Burns Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and a questionnaire to explore the issues of work-from-home mothers amidst the pandemic. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously and weighed equally in the analysis phase. This study used the epistemological lens as its theoretical contribution to understand and help working mothers cope with stress and be used as a basis for implementing mental health programs amidst and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants for the quantitative and qualitative phase included work-from-home mothers (N = 276) affiliated in the academic sector in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Results showed most of the respondents scored from (11-20), 57 or 20%
have Mild Anxiety while (5-10) 51 or 18% have Borderline Anxiety, followed by respondents (31-50) 50 or 18% with Severe Anxiety, and 24 or 8% of the
respondents scored (51-99) with Extreme Anxiety or Panic. This means that despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the majority of the
work from home mother respondents still managed to cope and keep up
with the work-life difficulties, with only 8% of the sample population suffering from Extreme Anxiety or Panic. The results of this study are expected to give insights for management as it provides care for the mental health of the mother employees through effective and sustainable mental health programs amidst and beyond the pandemic. Emerging issues were time management, explicitly setting boundaries between mother roles and work, non-conducive workspace, and technology-related issues. However, mothers appreciated the opportunity to spend more time with family the convenience and safety of working from home.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Geraldine F. Santos, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

    Associate Professor GERALDINE FLORES SANTOS is a Registered Psychologist and Psychometrician. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and was given recognition for graduating with Distinguished Academic Achievement and for being the Top College Scholar of her batch. She took her Master’s degree in Psychology at Polytechnic University of the Philippines and her PhD in Educational Psychology at La Consolacion University Philippines. Dr. Santos started her career in Recruitment and Training with United Laboratories (Unilab) and has twenty-six years of consultancy experience specializing in Psychological Assessment, Testing and Evaluation - primarily for talent acquisition, selection, promotion, career counseling and training. She is, for 14 years, a Faculty Member of the Department of Psychology and for a year, was designated as Psychologist in the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She recently joined as a Faculty Member of the university’s Graduate School, Psychology Program and is a certified Trainer of the Strong Families Program of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). At present, she is the Chairperson of the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program of PUP. Her passion for yoga, photography, writing poems, travel and chasing sunsets …. keep her balanced & calm. 

  • Dr. Aimee Rose Arguelles-Manda, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

    AIMEE ROSE ARGUELLES-MANDA is an International Certified Addiction Professional, Global Satir Coaching and Mentoring Specialist, and a licensed Psychometrician who have been in the helping field for almost 18 years conducting trainings, workshops, providing therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation to individuals and their families dealing with Substance Use Problems. Dr. Manda has acquired specialization in the Substance Use Treatment and Therapy from various trainings here and abroad. Aside from being an Addiction specialist, she is also one of the first batch of Certified Mental Health First Responder Trainer and Provider, also an internationally certified Satir Global Coaching and Mentoring Specialist and part of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Drug Demand Reduction Global Trainers (Cohort IV). She is an LGBT ally and involved Drug Use Prevention advocacy, certified facilitator for UNODC’s Strong Families Program and Caring for Your Child during Covid programs.

    Prior entering the Academe and the Helping profession as interventionist and Therapist, Dr. Manda has worked in private organizations and had 11 years of experience in government agencies with functions including Vice Presidential Staff officer, Technical Assistant in Malacañang, and her last post was as Public Relations Officer V at the Manila International Airport Authority.

  • Ma. Jeanette A. De Guzman, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

    MA. JEANETTE A. DE GUZMAN is a faculty member at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Social Sciences and Development (CSSD), Department of Psychology. She teaches psychology courses and handles senior high school students. In March 2021, she was given an opportunity to be part of the Faculty Evaluation Office as one of the evaluators. The following year, she was appointed Chief of the PASUC Promotion Section at the same office in January 2022. Ms. De Guzman was born on July 4, 1991, in Manila. She attended Ramon Magsaysay High School in Espana, Manila, where she completed her high school education. She completed a Bachelor of Science program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in May 2011. During her college years, she served as a student assistant for three years at PUP Community Relations Office and Campus Project Management Office. After she graduated from college, she worked as a Human Resources Assistant at Landmark Corporation’s Makati Branch and was assigned to the Recruitment Corporate Division in August 2011. She also worked as an administrative employee at PUP in April 2012 and was assigned to
    work in the President’s Office. She’s pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology specializing in I/O Psychology at the same university and hoping to graduate within the year. For her, teaching and studying in PUP at the same time have provided her with opportunities to grow and develop both in her personal and professional life. She resides in Pasig City with her husband, Niccolo, and her two children, Anika and Kyrie.

  • Cynthia P. Equiza, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

    Assistant Professor CYNTHIA PEREZ EQUIZA is an accomplished professional with a diverse educational background and a passion for understanding the intricate workings of the human mind. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Professor Equiza possesses a unique blend of analytical thinking and empathetic understanding.

    Throughout Professor Equiza’s academic journey, an insatiable curiosity led her to explore the realms of both numbers and the human psyche. Her undergraduate studies in Mathematics honed her logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, providing a solid foundation in critical thinking and data analysis. Equipped with a strong mathematical background, Professor Equiza has continued teaching Statistics and Mathematics in the Modern World up to date.

    Building upon her mathematical expertise, Professor Equiza pursued a Master’s degree in Psychology, driven by an unwavering desire to comprehend the intricacies of human behaviour, cognition, and emotional processes. The integration of her mathematical background with the study of human psychology has empowered Professor Equiza to approach psychological research and analysis with a unique perspective. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to leverage quantitative methods to gain deeper insights into human behaviour, as well as apply psychological principles to solve complex problems. Driven by a genuine passion for unlocking the mysteries of the human mind through a fusion - of mathematics and psychology, Professor Equiza continues to explore new horizons, seeking innovative ways to bridge the gap between these disciplines. Her unwavering commitment to knowledge, combined with her unique skill set, positions her as a valuable asset in any field that demands analytical thinking, research expertise, and a deep understanding of human behaviour. Currently, she has 15 years of service to the College of Science Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Downloads

Published

2024-11-28

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2022): Social Sciences and Development Review

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Exploring the Anxiety Level and Emerging Issues of WFH Mothers Amidst the Pandemic. (2024). Social Sciences and Development Review, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.70922/wx9dyz98