8/22/2012 6:00 PM ET
(RTTNews) - Women who return to the workforce soon after having children exhibit better mental and physical health than their stay-at-home or part time working peers, a new study from researchers at University of Akron and Penn State University shows.
The study looked at surveys from 2,540 women who became mothers between 1978 and 1995. Lead researcher Adrianne Frech and her team surveyed women on their overall physical and mental strength after having children.
They found those women who returned to work shortly after giving birth reported significantly higher levels of mental and physical health, including higher mobility and energy levels and less depression by age 40.
"Work is good for your health, both mentally and physically. It gives women a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, control and autonomy. They have a place where they are an expert on something, and they're paid a wage," Frech said in a press release.
At the recent American Sociological Association's Annual Meeting in Denver, where the study's findings were released, Frech said working also contributed to fiscal soundness-of-mind for women.
"Work makes you healthier. You will have the opportunity to save a nest egg. Also, should a divorce happen, it is harder to enter the workforce if you don't have a solid work history. Don't give up on work and education."
by RTT Staff Writer
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