THE DUAL FACES OF PARENTING IN ITALY: GIVING VOICE TO THE DIFFICULTIES AND SATISFACTIONS OF MOTHERS AND FATHERS

Parenting is a complex psychological process shaped by individual, relational, and sociocultural dynamics. In contemporary Italy, mothers and fathers navigate their roles amid shifting gender norms, changing family structures, and enduring societal expectations. This study explores both the challenges and satisfactions experienced by Italian parents, aiming to capture the ambivalent nature of parenthood as subjectively lived and narrated. Data were drawn from a multi-regional project involving 682 parents (478 mothers) of children aged 0–18 years, recruited through schools in four Italian regions. The project was Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU, Mission 4 Component 1 CUP J53D23017150001. Participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics, which collected both quantitative and qualitative data. In addition to standardized psychological questionnaires and socio-demographic information, parents responded to open-ended questions regarding the main challenges and satisfactions of parenting, as well as perceived gaps in available support. Thematic analysis of the qualitative responses highlighted recurring themes of stress, emotional ambivalence, and role asymmetry—especially in relation to caregiving and work-family balance. Mothers frequently reported mental overload and identity tension, while fathers described a conflict between traditional provider roles and a desire for deeper emotional engagement. A common challenge reported across gender was the lack of adequate parenting support, both practical and institutional. Parenting emerged as both a site of struggle and a space for personal transformation. Across participants, the lack of accessible formal psychological help emerged as a transversal theme among the unmet needs reported, highlighting the importance of emotional and relational resources in sustaining parental well-being. These findings contribute to a more ecologically valid and culturally grounded understanding of parenting in Italy and underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies and psychological interventions that recognize the coexistence of burden and fulfillment in the parenting experience.