Sociologist's New Book Tackles the Invisible Burden of 'Mental Load'
Sociologist Leah Ruppanner has published a book titled Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More. Ruppanner, a professor at The University of Melbourne who studies gender, work, and family, presents evidence-based tools to reduce what she terms "emotional thinking work."
Acknowledging and measuring mental load can help reduce it.
The Unequal Burden of Mental Load
According to Ruppanner's research, women carry a greater burden of mental load than men. One study she cites, involving over 3,000 parents in the United States, found women were responsible for over 70% of the domestic mental load.
Challenging Common Gender Myths
Ruppanner's work directly challenges several long-held assumptions about gender and domestic labor:
- Multitasking: She challenges the idea that women are better multitaskers than men, stating research shows no one can truly multitask effectively.
- Natural Managers: She also disputes the stereotype that women are naturally better household managers than men.
- Benefits of Engagement: Ruppanner cites research indicating men who engage in primary care of children and household management report being healthier and happier.
Can Men "See the Mess"?
A specific study conducted by Ruppanner and colleagues from University of California, Santa Barbara, and New York University tested the common notion that "men can't see the mess."
The study showed male and female participants images of messy and clean rooms. The result? Men and women rated the rooms as equally clean or messy.
How to Reduce Your Mental Load
Ruppanner proposes several practical methods for managing and reducing this invisible workload.
1. Measure and Audit
Her first suggestion is to measure mental load as a critical step. She offers a free online assessment tool called the Mental Load Measurement. Her book also introduces a "Mental Load Audit" tool that categorizes tasks into eight areas, including life organization and emotional support.
2. Categorize Your Energy
She advises sorting tasks into two categories: those that are drains on your energy and those that act as credits that replenish energy.
3. Strategize and Simplify
Other key suggestions include:
- Prioritizing tasks based on true importance.
- Outsourcing responsibilities where possible.
- Adopting a "good is good enough" mentality for certain standards to avoid perfectionism.
The Ultimate Goal
The stated goal of reducing mental load is to have enough energy to pursue interests and avoid burnout.
To help individuals begin this process, Ruppanner has developed a short online quiz called the Mental Load Measurement.