The Mental Health of Indonesian Male Breadwinners: Family Harmony as a Moderator Between Perceived Stress and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

These days, despite the increasing attention directed to mental health, men are typically placed on the back burner of these discussions due to the social stigma that men are supposed to be strong breadwinners. Multiple studies have found a negative association between perceived stress and psychological well-being, ergo, it is important to expand these studies to include the well-being of male breadwinners. Other literature has also suggested that the presence of a harmonious family might help buffer the effects of stress on well-being. Therefore, this study consisting of 304 participants aimed to understand the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being, and whether family harmony can moderate this relationship in male breadwinners. Results from linear regression models found that perceived stress predicted psychological well-being in male breadwinners (R² = .30, p < .01), and the moderated regression models also showed family harmony to be a significant moderator between perceived stress and psychological well-being in male breadwinners (R² = .40, β = -.04, p < .001, 95% CI [-.06, -.02]). Aside from adding to the body of research on stress and family psychology, the practical implications of this study highlight the need for family-centered therapy and workplace policies that support the well-being of male breadwinners.