DSW Candidate – Hannah Maness, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
The Hidden Cost of Motherhood: Societal and Mental Health Impacts of Unpaid Maternity Leave
DSW Candidate – Hannah Maness, MSW, LCSW
Monday, April 28, 2025
10:30 AM- 11:45 AM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0
Description
The Hidden Cost of Motherhood: Societal and Mental Health Impacts of Unpaid Maternity Leave
Unpaid maternity leave remains a pressing social issue in the United States with profound implications for the mental health of mothers and the developmental well-being of infants. This capstone project examines the intersection of public policy, mental health, and early childhood outcomes, highlighting how unpaid leave exacerbates stress, postpartum depression, and economic insecurity for mothers while compromising the critical bonding period essential for infant development.
The SLR underscores how the absence of paid leave correlates with adverse outcomes, including increased maternal stress, higher rates of postpartum depression, disrupted maternal-infant attachment, and long-term developmental challenges for infants. Findings reveal how unpaid leave disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, including low-income and minority families, amplifying inequities in maternal mental health and economic stability. Drawing from attachment theory, systems theory, and intersectionality, the CP explores the societal undervaluation of caregiving and maternal labor, framing unpaid maternity leave as a structural contributor to cycles of disadvantage that perpetuate inequities in health and social outcomes.
The absence of paid leave policies reflects the societal undervaluation of caregiving and maternal labor, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. Translating research findings into practice, the AP presents actionable strategies for clinical social workers and policymakers. By illuminating the societal and psychological consequences of unpaid maternity leave, this capstone emphasizes the critical role of clinical social workers in addressing these challenges, from providing direct clinical services to advocating for change.
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Learn the current United States Family Medical Leave Act policy and the effects of unpaid leave on mothers and infants.
- Learn about attachment styles and the critical periods during the first few months of life that impact developmental outcomes.
- Learn the disproportionate rates of minority families that are affected economically and the increased risk of adverse outcomes of mental health and childhood development by unpaid maternity leave.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
