The use of a bibliotherapy intervention in improving the well-being of working mothers

The dramatic increase of working mothers in the labor force over the past half a century has led to numerous benefits for these women including financial stability, independence, and more enriching lives. However, the role overload commonly associated with the multiple roles of parent, spouse, and career has also led to a series of problems experienced by many working mothers. Little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions for working mothers. Research suggests there are benefits of a small group intervention, but very few controlled studies have been conducted. In addition, given the lack of available time and other barriers to formal treatment, alternatives should be explored.;Results indicated that the participants in the bibliotherapy with phone contact group had a statistically significant increase in life satisfaction and decrease in anxiety at post-test when compared to the wait-list control group. No other significant differences were found. Qualitative feedback by participants suggested that the vast majority found it to be a beneficial experience. Many comments demonstrated that participants gained knowledge and made positive changes in their attitudes and their behavior. Suggestions were also made for future revisions of the intervention. Implications for counseling and recommendations for future research were presented.;The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a bibliotherapy intervention on a sample of 47 working mothers. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: bibliotherapy, bibliotherapy with phone contact, and wait list control. They completed a series of six measures at pre-test and post-test. Participants in the two bibliotherapy groups were mailed a 57 page, bound manual designed for the purpose of this study. The manual was developed from a cognitive-behavioral perspective and contained information and exercises designed to assist working mothers manage the problems associated with multiple roles.