How to use the Mental Load Test
Juggling children, household chores, and schedules, or caring for older adults, or supporting people with disabilities… caregiving is often considered invisible work. Because it is unpaid in private settings, we often lose sight of just how much in families and care communities depends on someone noticing and doing this work. This quiz offers a starting point for conversations about the roles and distribution of the tasks listed here. What needs to be done? Who is thinking about what? Let’s work together to make care work more visible!
How to use the Mental Load Test
First, select the sections that are appropriate for your life situation. The first section is for all couples and caregivers, whether or not they have children or dependents with care needs. If you have children, add the second section. If you have dependents in addition, please also select the third section.
Then look at all the tasks in the following list and put a cross behind the ones that you do mostly or equally at home. You may tick the second box next to it if you also think about this task, i.e. if you carry the mental load for this task yourself.
If you are unsure whether you should set a cross, leave the task unaswered. If a task does not occur at your house, choose doesn’t apply.
It takes approx. 15 minutes to fill out the test.
At the end of the test, you will receive a score which you can have sent to you by e-mail. If your partner also takes the test, you can compare your results afterwards and talk about them.
Equal care does not necessarily mean that the division of caregiving tasks must be 50-50. Other models, such as those that include the division of paid work, can also lead to an equitable distribution of caregiving tasks.
Tick what you do mostly or at least equally in your home: “I do it”.
Tick if you’re the one who ususally or at least 50% of the time thinks of the task: “I remember to do it”.
If you are unsure whether to tick, leave it unanswered.
If a task does not occur at your house, choose the answer option “doesn’t apply”.
Usage notice
Please do not use the browser function One Page Back while performing the Mental Load Test. You can use the navigation elements that are displayed in the test instead.