Work-Family Conflict and Moral Injury Among Working Mothers: Is Moral Resilience a Protective Factor?

Balancing work and family responsibilities is challenging for working mothers, particularly those with caregiving duties. The present study investigates the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC) and moral injury, focusing on the potential moderating role of moral resilience. Italian working mothers (N = 285), either with preschool children or caring responsibilities for elderly parents and adolescent/young adult children, completed measures of WFC, moral injury, and moral resilience. Results indicated an association between work-family conflict (WFC) and moral injury, with moral resilience attenuating this relationship. Specifically, at higher levels of moral resilience, the relationship between WFC and moral injury was weaker. This protective mechanism was consistent across different caregiving groups. These findings enhance understanding of the complex psychological experiences of working mothers and emphasize the importance of interventions, such as flexible work policies and moral resilience training, to provide effective support. Practical implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.