Abstract

This study examined the relationship between parental calling and happiness, the mediating effect of meaning in life in the relation between parental calling and happiness, and group differences between mothers by children’s age. In this study, 406 mothers with preschool children (age: 1~6 years) and 425 mothers with adult children (19 years and older) completed a self-reported questionnaire. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and multiple-group analysis. The results showed a significant positive direct and mediating effect of meaning in life in the relationship between parental calling and happiness. In addition, the relationship between parental calling and meaning in life was stronger in mothers of preschool children and the relationship between meaning in life and happiness was stronger in mothers of adult children. However, there were no group differences in direct and mediating effect. This study is significant in that it highlights on the mothers’ internal factors that can support personal happiness and the effects varied by the life span development of parents.