Nexus of Family Conflict and Depression among Married Women Working at Public Hospitals

Abstract

Family is considered the strongest support institution in terms of social and economic support. However, adversaries within the family system can influence human behavior in negative ways. In this vein, the study attempts to understand the relationship of adversaries within the family and its impact on the level of depression among married women working in public hospitals. For this purpose, two hospitals, namely, Khyber Teaching Hospital and Leady Reading Hospitals of Peshawar City, were selected. Data were collected from a sample of 300 married working women through a structured questionnaire. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling techniques. A Chi-square statistic was applied to know about the association between family conflict and depression. The results revealed a strong association between family conflict and depression among married women working in public sector hospitals. This shows that family conflict influences married women's mental health, and its influence is also reflected in the work environment. Family conflict coupled with job responsibility causes depression among married women. Working women living in families with conflict need proper counseling and guidance. The role of the family counselor is very important in this regard. Public hospitals need to take care of the problems and issues of married working women by providing them concessions in work and special support.