Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Nov 20, 2023
Date Accepted: Apr 10, 2024
Daily time-use patterns and quality of life in parents: Study protocol of a pilot study of situational factors using Ecological Momentary Assessment
ABSTRACT
Background:
The gender gap in time use and its impact on health and well-being is still prevalent, which was especially visible during the pandemic when women faced increased pressures from work and family. Women work longer hours than men when considering both paid and unpaid (e.g., childcare, chores) work and this sex disparity is particularly visible amongst parents. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) allows for the documentation of changes in momentary internal states, such as time-use, stress, or mood. It has shown particularly validity to measure shorter-term activities (e.g., unpaid work), and thus useful to address sex differences.
Objective:
The feasibility of the daily EMA surveys in a parent sample will be examined. The associations of time use, well-being, and stress, will be examined, along with potential moderating and mediating factors such as sex, gender role beliefs, and work-family conflict. Finally, the act of monitoring one's own time use, well-being, and stress will be examined in relation to, e.g., quality of life.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled trial with three data collection methods, i.e., online questionnaires, EMA surveys, and qualitative interviews. The intervention group (N=64) participates in the online questionnaires, EMA surveys, and a subsample of the intervention group (N=6-17) will also be invited to participate in qualitative interviews. Over a period of one week, participants in the intervention group will answer daily EMA surveys (four times per day). In contrast the control group (N=17) only participates in the online questionnaires at baseline and after one week.
Results:
We anticipate that participants will regard the daily EMA as feasible. Particular daily time-use patterns (e.g., high paid and unpaid workload) are expected to be related to lower wellbeing, higher stress, and health-related quality of life. These associations are expected to be moderated and mediated by factors such as sex, gender role beliefs, work-family conflict, and social support.
Conclusions:
This study aims to provide valuable insights into the feasibility of using EMAs and the potential benefits of activity tracking in various aspects of daily life. Clinical Trial: OSF Pre-Registration; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8QJ3D
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