MATERNAL STATUS AS A MODERATOR OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG MOTHERS

Raising children is an arduous responsibility. Motherhood is often called the most challenging and most rewarding job. Having children gives mothers a sense of purpose and significance and places many demanding obligations on them throughout their adult years (Nomaguchi & Milkie, 2020). The experience of motherhood involves a wide range of obstacles and moments of happiness, which significantly impact both the mothers and their families’ overall happiness. In today’s society, the role of mothers has expanded beyond traditional domestic responsibilities, with a growing focus on their emotional intelligence and how it affects their overall well-being. However, in this complex network of factors, the impact of being a parent, whether as a single mother or a partnered mother, has been identified as an essential but not extensively studied variable. In India, the occurrence of single-parent families varies from 5% to 12%, as reported by Kramer (2019), Pandit (2019), and the U.S. Census Bureau (2023). Single parents, especially single mothers, belong to a socially and economically disadvantaged category that faces the possibility of experiencing a range of physical and mental health issues. Single mothers exhibit inferior physical and mental well-being compared to parents who reside together as couples (Rousou et al., 2013). Emotional intelligence (E.I.) is the capacity to perceive, comprehend, control accurately, and proficiently employ emotions within oneself and about others (Salovey & Sluyter, 1997). Prior studies have investigated the correlation between Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) and different factors, including marital status and parental roles. A study found that women’s emotional intelligence level is low (Abdullah et al., 2019). Nevertheless, a distinct discovery indicated that solitary fathers exhibited robust emotional intelligence but encountered difficulties empathising and comprehending their adolescent children. Research also showed that parenting makes single mothers less happy, sad, stressed, and tired. However, employed single mothers report higher levels of emotional well-being (Meier et al., 2016). Quality of life (QoL) refers to a thorough and personal evaluation of an individual’s overall well-being and contentment with life. It includes both objective life circumstances and subjective emotional experiences. The impact of parents’ quality of life on their well-being, children’s development, and family dynamics is significant in the context of parenthood (Giannakopoulos et al., 2009). Prior research has indicated that single mothers encounter a notable decline in their overall quality of life compared to the broader population (Cook et al., 2009). Research consistently shows that single mothers have more mental health problems and problems balancing work and family life than mothers who are married (Dziak, 2010). A recent study by Kim and Kim (2020) found that married mothers generally reported a higher quality of life than single mothers. However, the quality of life of single mothers by choice is significantly higher than that of married mothers, even after controlling for economic and paternal involvement variables (Segal Engelchin, 2005). Financial hardship and inadequate resources are key factors contributing to a reduced perception of quality of life in singlesupporting mothers (Coyne, 2003). These results suggest that single mothers may face more significant problems. However, their quality of life can be affected by many things, such as their ability to afford things, their ability to balance work and family life, and their social support. This study addresses a critical gap in existing research by investigating how maternal status—whether a mother is single or partnered—moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence (E.I.) and quality of life (QoL) among mothers. With the expanding roles of mothers in society and the distinct challenges faced by single mothers, understanding how emotional intelligence interacts with maternal status to influence quality of life is vital. By shedding light on this dynamic, the study can offer insights into interventions and support systems tailored to different maternal statuses, ultimately enhancing the well-being of mothers and their families.