Assessing the Role of Emotional and Social Support in Enhancing Psychological Wellbeing of Homemakers: A Study in Chennai

The psychological wellbeing of homemakers remains a critically under-researched area in the Indian social sciences, despite this population constituting a substantial proportion of the adult female workforce in urban households. This study investigates the role of emotional and social support systems in enhancing the psychological wellbeing of homemakers residing in Chennai. Seven independent variables—Emotional Support from Family Members, Spousal Support (Husband's Involvement and Care), Support from Friends and Peer Groups, Social Network Support, Access to Mental Health Resources, Frequency of Social Interaction, and Perceived Social Recognition and Appreciation—were examined in relation to the dependent variable of Psychological Wellbeing (encompassing overall mental health, life satisfaction, and emotional balance).

A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 250 homemakers across urban and semi-urban areas of Chennai using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Convenience sampling was employed as the sampling technique. Statistical tools including descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were applied using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The findings reveal that all seven support variables positively and significantly influence psychological wellbeing. Spousal Support emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.348), followed by Perceived Social Recognition and Emotional Support from Family Members. The regression model explains 91.2% of variance in psychological wellbeing, indicating high explanatory power. The study provides strategic implications for social workers, policymakers, and community organizations toward designing effective support mechanisms for homemakers.