Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between the intensive mothering ideology and mental well-being, focusing on the mediating effects of self-compassion and parenting stress. The study participants were mothers who had home-schooling experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and children aged 1-9 years. Survey data from 372 mothers were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Intensive mothering ideology was negatively associated with both self-compassion and mental well-being, but positively predicted parenting stress. Self-compassion was negatively associated with parenting stress but positively predicted mental well-being. Additionally, there was a negative relationship between parenting stress and mental well-being. Self-compassion and parenting stress both showed significant mediating effects on the relationship between intensive mothering ideology and mental well-being. Furthermore, the double mediating effect was significant for the relationship between intensive mothering ideology and mental well-being. Finally, intervention strategies were suggested to improve mothers’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.