【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. depression /dɪˈprɛʃən/ n.) – the state of extreme sadness and hopelessness
Example: She went into a mild depression after her dog died.
2. competence /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ (n.) – the ability to do or perform well in a specific task
Example: Competence is one of the factors that mothers consider when choosing a pediatrician for their child.
3. anxious /ˈæŋkʃəs, ˈæŋ-/ (adj.) – being worried, uneasy, or nervous about something
Example: My dad is anxious that I might damage our car.
4. perceive /pərˈsiv/ (v.) – to recognize something or someone
Example: People sometimes perceive hyperactivity in kids as misbehavior.
5. misdemeanor /ˌmɪsdɪˈminər/ (n.) – a misbehavior or wrongdoing
Example: The kid made a terrible mess in the living room and was scolded for his misdemeanor.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Working moms who are much more eager to become perfect parents have higher risk of developing depression, according to the study from the University of Michigan [MISH-i-guh n].
The study involved a survey of 113 women on depression and their feeling of competence as mothers. With a questionnaire, mothers were asked to agree or disagree with the given statements. Among the statements are “if they do everything for their baby,” “if they think other mothers have lesser parenting problems,” and “if they feel guilty about putting their needs before that of their children.”
Women having difficulties in handling their kids in public may become too stressed, which may lead to a greater possibility of getting mental disorders. Researchers explained that some mothers are too pressured with what people think of them as parents. They also tend to get too anxious about what people would say about their parenting, which hinders them from asking help when necessary.
Research fellow Dr. Thomason said that kids must behave properly because any inappropriate behavior would reflect negatively on their upbringing.
According to the study’s results, women who were too concerned about whether people perceive them as good mothers or not have higher chances to be depressed. However, mothers with a different outlook were more willing to ask for assistance.
On another note, Dr. Thomason emphasized that a child’s misbehavior does not necessarily mean that he or she has a bad mother. In addition, the children’s misdemeanors may be challenging but may also be resolved by different strategies.
According to recent findings, depression is more common in one out of three first-time mothers between their pregnancy and four years after childbirth.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· How does a working mom’s lifestyle affect the quality of her parenting?
· Aside from having deep concern with parenting, what other factors would contribute to a working mother’s depression?
Discussion B
· Would you prefer that women stay at home instead of working? Why or why not?
· How can a person avoid having depression? Explain.