The association between satisfaction with husband's participation in housework and suicidal ideation among married working women in Korea

Although married women are increasingly participating in paid labor, housework remains their primary responsibility. This uneven distribution of housework could have a negative impact on their mental health. In this study, we examined the association between satisfaction with husbands’ participation in housework and suicidal ideation in married working women. Data were obtained from 3544 participants of the fourth and fifth waves of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. Satisfaction with husbands’ participation in housework was classified as satisfactory, less satisfactory, and dissatisfactory. A generalized estimating equations model was used to examine the association. Those who were dissatisfied with their husbands’ participation in housework were 2.65 times more likely to think about suicide than those who were satisfied. Subgroup analysis showed that women with an egalitarian gender ideology or low job dissatisfaction were more likely to think about suicide when they were dissatisfied with their husbands’ participation in housework. In conclusion, married working women who were dissatisfied with their husbands’ participation in housework are more likely to think about suicide than those who are satisfied. Therefore, fostering an environment of fair distribution of housework is necessary for alleviating their stress from the dual burden of work and family.