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Beyond Time: Unveiling the Invisible Burden of Mental Load

Author

Listed:
  • Francesca Barigozzi
  • Pietro Biroli
  • Chiara Monfardini
  • Natalia Montinari
  • Elena Pisanelli
  • Sveva Vitellozzi

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel, scalable methodology to measure individual perceptions of gaps in mental load - the cognitive and emotional burden associated with organizing household and childcare tasks - within heterosexual couples. Using original data from the TIMES Observatory in Italy, the study combines time-use diaries with new survey indicators to quantify cognitive labor, emotional fatigue, and the spillover of mental load into the workplace. Results reveal systematic gender asymmetries: women are significantly more likely than men to bear organizational responsibility for domestic tasks, report lower satisfaction with this division, and experience higher emotional fatigue. These burdens are underestimated by their partners. The effects are particularly pronounced among college-educated and employed women, who also report greater spillovers of family responsibilities than men during paid work hours. The perceived responsibility for managing family activities is more strongly associated with within-couple gaps in time use than with the absolute time spent on their execution, underscoring the relational and conflictual nature of mental load.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Barigozzi & Pietro Biroli & Chiara Monfardini & Natalia Montinari & Elena Pisanelli & Sveva Vitellozzi, 2025. "Beyond Time: Unveiling the Invisible Burden of Mental Load," Working Papers wp1203, Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Universita' di Bologna.
    • Handle: RePEc:bol:bodewp:wp1203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gimenez-Nadal, Jose Ignacio & Sevilla, Almudena, 2012. "Trends in time allocation: A cross-country analysis," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(6), pages 1338-1359.
    2. Francesca Barigozzi & Cesare Di Timoteo & Chiara Monfardini, 2023. "Correction to: The Gender Gaps in Time-Use Within Italian Households During 2002–2014," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 9(3), pages 1297-1297, November.
    3. Francesca Barigozzi & Cesare Di Timoteo & Chiara Monfardini, 2023. "The Gender Gaps in Time-Use Within Italian Households During 2002–2014," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 9(3), pages 1263-1296, November.
    4. Vitellozzi, Sveva & Cecchi, Francesco & Rapallini, Chiara, 2025. "The invisible family load and the gender earnings gap in Kenya," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    5. Dominique Anxo & Letizia Mencarini & Ariane Pailhe & Anne Solaz & Maria Letizia Tanturri & Lennart Flood, 2011. "Gender Differences in Time Use over the Life Course in France, Italy, Sweden, and the US," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 159-195.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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