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Mother Identity and Life Satisfaction

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As an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa, I have the opportunity to explore areas of interest for academic research. UNI’s programs are designed to enrich students' experiences with practical work experience, international opportunities and help in graduating as efficiently as possible. The University of Northern Iowa's commitment to putting “Students First" firmly established its reputation for providing first-rate educational experiences. For more information, please visit http://www.uni.edu/

Last year I studied the rhetoric of Betty Friedan and her most famous book, The Feminine Mystique. Friedan researched the life satisfaction and identity of mothers in the 1960s and discovered many women unhappy with their role as housewife and mother. Her main argument and hope was for women to be aware of their options, as well as the role society attempts to put them in, and not be afraid to challenge it. I was so intrigued by her research from over 40 years ago that I have decided to see if this phenomena still exists. 

I am now doing a study to determine how mothers today view their role in society. I am interested in any differences or similarities between the life satisfaction and identities of stay-at-home moms and moms who work outside of the home. 

Although you may not receive any direct benefits from taking this survey, the results obtained may offer a better understanding for mothers in current and future situations. All information obtained will be kept confidential and presentation of the data will be in an aggregate form
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Degree of risk is no more than that experienced on a daily basis. Besides the approximate 5-10 minutes it would take you to complete the survey, there are no perceived risks from participating in this study. If, however, at any time you become uncomfortable answering the survey questions, you may discontinue your participation in my study, or you may submit only selected answers to the questions.  Your participation is completely voluntary.

If you have any questions about this research or about your rights as a research participant, you may feel free to contact me directly, Elizabeth Cooney, at 515-360-9404, or my university’s Institutional Review Board Office at 319-273-6148.

Thanks for taking the time to fill out the survey below. Completion and submission of the survey implies that you have read the information above and consent to take part in the research. By clicking on the link to the survey below, you are indicating that you are fully aware of the nature and extent of your participation in this project as stated above and the possible risks arising from it. By completing the survey you are agreeing to participate in the research and acknowledge that you are 18 years of age or older. Please print a copy of this form for your records or future reference.

Make sure to hit the "submit" button at the bottom of the survey when you have answered the questions you'd like to answer. Some of the questions, marked by a red star, are required for the survey to be submitted.
 
 
1.  Required Question
2.  Required Question
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4.  Required Question
5.  Required Question

If you currently are working outside of the home, please skip to Question 9.

6. If you are not working outside of the home at this time, have you worked previously?
7. The challenges I face as a stay-at-home mom include _______.
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree Not Applicable
Loss of identity
Loss of skills
Feeling of guilt for not working
Feeling of guilt for not doing enough for my kids
Loss of external validation
Increased need for social interaction
8. The benefits I receive from being a stay-at-home-mom are ________.
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree Not Applicable
Increased time with kids
More flexible schedule
Smoother, more organized family life
Sense of pride
More disciplined kids
More time for self
More time with husband

If you are currently a stay-at-home mom, please skip to Question 11.

9. The challenges I face as a working mom include _______.
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree Not Applicable
Balancing time
Having to "choose" between work and family
Feeling of guilt for not doing enough for my kids
Poor treatment from co-workers
10. The benefits I receive from being a working mom are ______.
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree Not Applicable
Earning my own income, financial freedom
Creates a sense of identity for me
Increased self-esteem, pride
Feeling of productivity
Feeling of independence
Using my education
11. Please choose the answer that best describes you. Required Question
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree
In most ways my life is close to ideal.
The conditions of my life are excellent.
I am satisfied with my life.
So far I have gotten the important things I want in life.
If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.
I have a strong sense of who I am.
  Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Slightly disagree Neutral Slightly agree Moderately agree Strongly agree
My role as a mother is my first priority.
My role as a wife is my first priority.
My career is my first priority.
My spouse and I have an equal share of household chores.
My spouse and I have equal duties for childcare.
I feel torn between career and family.
12. How did you make the choice to stay at home or work? Choose the answer that most closely relates to your choice. Required Question

Optional essay/short-answer questions...

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17. Sex Required Question
18. Ethnicity Required Question
19. Education Required Question
20.  Required Question
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