Work

Association of time spent on unpaid labor with depressive symptoms among single parents in Korea: focus on gender differences

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Single parents are required to manage both paid and unpaid labor, which can lead to time pressure and psychological distress. This study examined the relationships among time spent on caregiving and housework and depressive symptoms among single fathers and mothers in South Korea. A nationwide sample of 1,095 single fathers and 2,205 single mothers was included in the 2021 Single-Parent Family Survey. Average daily hours spent on caregiving and housework were self-reported. The Patient Health Question-9 was employed to measure depressive symptoms. Linear regression models were used. On average, single fathers spent 2.2 and 2.3 h per day on caregiving and housework, respectively, while single mothers spent 2.8 and 2.9 h per day on caregiving and housework, respectively. Among fathers, daily hours spent on caregiving and housework exhibited no clear association with depressive symptoms. Among mothers, time spent on housework exhibited a positive association with depressive symptoms ( B = 0.515; standard error [SE] = 0.098; t = 5.256; p < .001), whereas caregiving hours were not associated with depressive symptoms ( B = 0.054; SE = 0.059; t = 0.926; p = .355). Daily hours spent on housework are positively associated with depressive symptoms among single mothers. Policies are required to support single parents in balancing work and domestic responsibilities.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-29608-y

Authors: Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon

Institutions: Yonsei University, Yonsei University Health System

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290