Menyuarakan Beban Tak Terlihat, Mental Load Ibu: Sebuah Riset Aksi

Abstract

Mental load is an invisible cognitive and emotional burden that is disproportionately carried by women, particularly mothers, in managing household responsibilities, childcare, family well-being, and social relations. This study aimed to explore the experiences of mental load among mothers in RT 49 Badran, Yogyakarta, and to facilitate collective reflection through Participatory Action Research (PAR). The study involved 28 respondents in the initial survey, of whom 21 participated in the subsequent PAR activities. The research was conducted through three cycles: planning and socialization, reflective focus group discussions, and outbound activities combined with psychoeducation. Data were collected through an initial survey, reflection cards, body mapping activities, and group discussions. The findings indicate that participants experienced mental load related to childcare, household responsibilities, financial concerns, and family well-being. Although many participants initially did not recognize their experiences as mental load, the reflective activities enabled them to identify hidden cognitive and emotional burdens while recognizing sources of resilience such as family, social support, and religious beliefs.