WORK, MOTHERHOOD, AND BREASTFEEDING—OH MY! SHAME AND GUILT AS CONDUITS OF THE EFFECTS OF PERCEIVED SELF-DISCREPANCIES ON KEY WORK AND BREASTFEEDING OUTCOMES
Date
2020
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Abstract
New mothers who breastfeed continue to face challenges upon their return to the workplace. The present study aims to explore the intrapersonal experiences of women managing working full-time outside the home while breastfeeding. Using an experience sampling-type methodology I integrate my findings into a framework derived from research on self-conscious emotions (Tangney & Tracy, 2011), and self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). Participants (N=154) were surveyed weekly for 5 weeks upon their return to work post-maternity leave. Results indicated that while each of the three categories of self-discrepancy (motherhood, work and breastfeeding) significantly predicted state-guilt, only motherhood-focused self-discrepancy (SD) significantly predicted state-shame. Furthermore, whereas both shame and guilt predicted intent to quit breastfeeding, intent to quit job, and life-satisfaction, only guilt served to mediate the relationships between SDs and these outcomes. Mixed results were obtained regarding the moderating effects of intrapersonal role centrality on the relationships between SDs and shame/guilt. These findings provide insight into the nature of shame and guilt and how both emotions may operate in the context of managing working while breastfeeding.