Dual Burden Dilemma: How Professional and Household Responsibilities Influence Burnout and Psychological Well-being among Employed Women

Abstract

This study examines the psychological toll of dual responsibilities, professional and domestic, on the mental health and burnout levels of employed women in Pakistan. The aim was to evaluate the association between dual-role expectations and mental health, assess the moderating role of social support, and explore the effects of the number of children and working hours on burnout. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling with 300 full-time or part-time working women aged 25–45 across the education, health, and civil service sectors. Standardized instruments (GHQ-12, MBI, and Social Support Scale) were employed, and the data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and moderation analysis via SPSS. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between dual responsibilities and mental health concerns (r = .420, p < .001). Regression analysis confirmed dual burden as a significant predictor, explaining 17.6% of the variance in mental health scores. Moderation analysis revealed that while social support alone was not a strong predictor, its interaction with dual responsibilities significantly reduced psychological distress (ΔR² = 0.02, p = 0.005). Additionally, average working hours significantly contributed to poor mental health, while the number of children did not show a meaningful effect. These results support Role Strain Theory and the Job Demands-Resources model, reinforcing the need for workplace reforms and gender-sensitive policies. The study recommends implementing flexible work policies, investing in workplace support services, and promoting social campaigns that challenge traditional caregiving roles.