Exploring the Impact of Formal and Informal Childcare Arrangements on Parental Stress Level and Health

In the evolving landscape of dual-income households, the choice between formal and informal childcare arrangements plays a critical role in shaping parental well-being. This study investigates the impact of different childcare types on parental stress levels and health outcomes among 80 employed Indian parents of children aged 1–6 years. Using standardized tools like the Parental Stress Scale and the SF-36 Health Survey, data were collected via community-based surveys and analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods. Results reveal that joint family systems offer emotional and practical support, particularly in formal and mixed childcare settings, alleviating fatigue and enhancing emotional role functioning. In contrast, informal care did not show significant variations in health indicators across family types. These findings highlight the importance of social support structures in mitigating parenting stress, offering implications for policy-making, occupational therapy interventions, and family-centered health planning.