Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This project examined the psychological processes and demographic variables which predict the decisions women make about returning to work after they have their first child. A cohort survey of 413 women was carried out - questionnaire surveys were conducted in pregnancy and at six and 12 months post-partum. In addition, a sub-sample of 52 women took part in semi-structured interviews (not included in this dataset), where work plans, attitudes and beliefs were explored. The aims of this research were threefold: to examine the psychological processes and demographi variables behind women's decisions about work and childcare after they have their first child; to explore changes in attitudes, beliefs, norms and identity as a function of becoming a mother and beginning a new pattern of work and/or childcare; and to look at the impact of employment/childcare choices on family relationships and psychological well-being.

Main Topics:

The dataset contains coded responses to the three questionnnaires. The first questionnaire (Time 1) was conducted in the later stages of the respondent's pregnancy, Time 2 was conducted when the child was six months old, and Time 3 around the time of the child's first birthday. The data cover pregnancy, motherhood, attitudes to childcare and working mothers, health, employment issues and domestic roles. Standard Measures Likert scales were used in the questionnaires.

Purposive selection/case studies

Face-to-face interview

Postal survey