women's mental health

The increasing participation of women in the workforce has been accompanied by growing professional and personal demands that may affect the psychological well-being of career women. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 15% of the working-age population experiences mental health problems, while work-related pressures contribute to approximately 12 billion lost working days annually. These conditions highlight the importance of resilience as a psychological resource that enables career women to adapt, recover, and function effectively when facing workplace challenges. This study aimed to examine the predictive relationships of self-esteem and emotion regulation with resilience among career women. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 200 career women in Semarang City, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires measuring self-esteem, emotion regulation, and resilience on a five-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4 through the evaluation of the measurement model, structural model, and hypothesis testing using a bootstrapping procedure. The findings showed that self-esteem and emotion regulation were positive predictors of resilience among career women. Self-esteem demonstrated a relatively stronger contribution than emotion regulation, while the overall model explained part of the variance in resilience. These findings indicate that career women with more positive self-esteem and better emotion regulation tend to demonstrate greater resilience. The study highlights the importance of self-esteem and emotion regulation as psychological resources that may be considered in organizational programs aimed at supporting women's resilience, psychological well-being, and sustainable career development. ABSTRAK Meningkatnya partisipasi perempuan dalam dunia kerja diikuti dengan semakin kompleksnya tuntutan profesional dan kehidupan personal yang berpotensi memengaruhi kondisi psikologis wanita karier. Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) melaporkan bahwa sekitar 15% penduduk usia produktif mengalami gangguan mental, sementara tekanan kerja menyebabkan hilangnya sekitar 12 miliar hari kerja setiap tahun. Kondisi tersebut menunjukkan pentingnya resiliensi agar wanita karier mampu bertahan, beradaptasi, dan bangkit dari berbagai tekanan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hubungan prediktif self-esteem dan regulasi emosi dengan resiliensi pada wanita karier. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain cross-sectional melalui metode survei terhadap 200 wanita karier di Kota Semarang yang dipilih menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner yang mengukur self-esteem, regulasi emosi, dan resiliensi dengan skala Likert lima tingkat. Data dianalisis menggunakan Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) dengan bantuan SmartPLS 4 melalui evaluasi model pengukuran, model struktural, dan pengujian hipotesis menggunakan prosedur bootstrapping. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa self-esteem dan regulasi emosi merupakan prediktor positif terhadap resiliensi pada wanita karier. Self-esteem menunjukkan kontribusi yang relatif lebih kuat dibandingkan regulasi emosi, sedangkan model penelitian secara keseluruhan mampu menjelaskan sebagian variasi resiliensi. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa wanita karier dengan penghargaan diri yang lebih positif dan kemampuan regulasi emosi yang lebih baik cenderung memiliki resiliensi yang lebih tinggi. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya self-esteem dan regulasi emosi sebagai sumber daya psikologis yang dapat dipertimbangkan dalam pengembangan program organisasi untuk mendukung resiliensi, kesejahteraan psikologis, dan keberlanjutan karier perempuan.

This study addresses the process of symbolic grief experienced by mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), considering psychological vulnerability and resilience in the face of the deconstruction of the image of the idealized child. It is based on the understanding that an ASD diagnosis may disrupt expectations developed throughout pregnancy regarding the child’s development and future, thereby affecting the maternal experience. The general objective is to analyze the process of symbolic grief experienced by mothers of children with ASD, integrating psychological vulnerability, resilience, and support networks. Specifically, the study seeks to identify factors of psychological vulnerability resulting from maternal overload; discuss the impact of symbolic grief on atypical motherhood; and evaluate the role of support networks and public policies in promoting these women’s mental health. This is a narrative literature review of a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory nature, conducted using the BVS-Psi and SciELO databases. The results indicate that a diagnosis may trigger psychological distress, frustration, guilt, fear, and emotional overload, contributing to social isolation and mental health problems. However, psychological support, family and community assistance as part of a support network, and effective public policies contribute to strengthening resilience and reframing the experience of atypical motherhood. It is concluded that understanding the impact of symbolic grief on these mothers is essential to broadening the perspective of psychology and public policies regarding their socio-emotional needs, promoting comprehensive care and strengthening mental health.