Mental Health In Single-Parent Families: Research And Potential Impacts

Several family formats exist, each unique and individual to each family unit. In many families, one parent cares for children, overtaking duties that might traditionally be done with two parents. Understanding how these circumstances can affect single-parent families' physical, behavioral, and mental health may help those in these structures and outsiders understand their impacts on health and well-being. 

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How can a single-parent family impact children and adolescents? 

While children of single-parent families can and do develop normally, and each family is unique, research indicates that having a single parent can influence child development and mental health, whether they are an adoptive or biological parent. A 2023 research article reviewed studies on how single-parenting can affect children's physical health and development. Researchers found mixed results: some studies indicated that having a single parent may have a direct impact, while others suggested differences in socioeconomic status may be the primary cause. 

Their review also suggested that low birth weight, preterm birth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and being born small for gestational age may be more common for children of single parents. The process of two parents separating may also have an effect, potentially causing fear, confusion, and a sense of abandonment in children between ages two and six. However, separation may be better tolerated by children between seven and 12.

In the review, various studies on parent-child relationships indicated further impacts of a single-parent household, such as lower academic performance, creativity, and motivation. Children in these families may be more likely to drop out of school or have lower grades. In addition, lower overall academic performance may be due to a family’s socioeconomic status or a parent’s lack of participation in school activities. Researchers also found that the loss of net income after separation may lead to a resource deficit, making children of single parents potentially more likely to live in poverty. Children may also lose social support systems after their parents separate, which could result in a disruption of family traditions, daily routines, and planned celebrations. 

These and other effects may impact a child’s behavioral and emotional well-being. If the parents of a child don’t have the capacity to solve conflicts during the separation process effectively, a child may face heightened levels of stress or anxiety. After a separation, children may experience depression, anxiety, and emotional stress. In addition, they may experience changes in behavior, such as resentment, noncompliance, or anger. 

Children of single parents may also struggle with self-esteem or negative self-image. These impacts may be due to a tendency to compare oneself to children in two-parent families, which may result in resentment and anger toward a missing parent. 

Positive impacts of single parenting

Researchers also cited several potential positive impacts of being raised by a single parent. They found that children raised by single parents may develop a more solid sense of community, and single parents may take a more active part in activities in their community. Children of single parents may also be taught to balance their needs with the needs of others and work towards their goals, which may increase resilience or the chances of success in their future careers. 

Children of single parents may also spend more time helping their parents, increasing their sense of responsibility and maturity compared to other children their age. This factor may be due to children of single parents being more involved in decision-making and understanding their parents' challenges, which could lead to elevated emotional regulation and problem-solving abilities. 

The above study is only one scientific article drawing from a specific data set. Each family is unique, and the impacts on development and mental health can vary. In addition, the dynamics of a single-parent family may affect not only children and adolescents but also the parents themselves.

How can a single-parent family impact parents? 

One of the most significant impacts of being the sole parent of a child can be stress. According to Mental Health America, common stressors can include the following. 

Isolation

Single parents may experience loneliness and isolation due to their role as the primary guardian in their child’s life. While some single parents may have friends or family available for support, others may struggle to establish a support system or overcome the challenges of parenting alone. 

Alongside these challenges, there are often ways to address isolation and loneliness. For example, seeking out organizations that include other parents, such as the Parent-Teacher Association at your child’s school, may be a way to meet others. You may also look for support groups that specifically cater to single parents or find events in your community for children and their guardians. 

Disputes with a co-parent

In some cases, a single parent shares responsibilities with a co-parent, who may live separately or cohabitate without being in a romantic relationship. This arrangement may cause conflicts, as parents may disagree on what child-rearing techniques to use or argue about decisions relating to the child’s life. 

For those who struggle to cohabitate or co-parent without legal intervention, custody disputes may add significant stress. In these cases, it may be helpful to separate personal and co-parenting relationships to create a healthier environment for the child, possibly through the help of a mental health professional.

Financial struggles

Single parents may have an increased monetary responsibility, which can create significant stress. Single parents often have a smaller household income than two-parent families and may have to make all financial decisions independently. Due to various costs associated with childcare, these responsibilities may weigh heavily on a single parent’s mental health. To combat potential stress, one might consider budgeting techniques, financial literacy courses, and assistance programs to lower the financial burden. 

Overwhelming responsibilities

Single-parenthood responsibilities can cause a person to struggle to find time for themselves, as they may often put their child’s needs above their own. While prioritizing a child can be essential, neglecting one’s own needs can negatively impact mental health and well-being. Try to find time to engage in self-care, which may include exercise, dedicating energy to one’s hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. 

More risk factors for mental health conditions

Research suggests that single parents (specifically single mothers) may be more likely than cohabiting parents to experience certain mental health conditions. These conditions may include anxiety and episodic or chronic depression. Single mothers may struggle with substance misuse, low self-esteem, and social isolation. These struggles could further contribute to mental health challenges and higher levels of stress. 

Finding ways to cope with or address these stressors may help individuals move forward. While implementing some coping methods may be difficult for single parents to balance with their other responsibilities, finding time to do so could safeguard one’s emotional, physical, and mental health. 

How can a single parent lower stress?

A single parent may lower their stress levels in various ways, including but not limited to the following strategies.  

Exercise

According to Harvard Medical School, aerobic exercise can reduce stress. Regular exercise may reduce adrenaline and cortisol, two hormones that can significantly contribute to parental stress. In addition, exercise can boost the production of brain chemicals known as endorphins, which may elevate mood, increase relaxation, and create a sense of optimism. 

Sleep

Proper sleep can play a role in maintaining mental health and regulating stress levels. Research suggests that insufficient sleep can lead to heightened levels of cortisol, which may lead to a higher level of perceived stress. To get proper sleep, it may be helpful to improve sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene can often be worked on through behavioral changes, such as reducing screen time, maintaining a dark and quiet sleep environment, avoiding eating a large meal near bedtime, and avoiding alcohol or caffeine.

Therapy

Therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may reduce stress and improve mental health. In a 2021 scientific review, researchers found that CBT helped individuals reduce the incidence of stress-related disorders. CBT was also found to be effective for treating various mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as substance misuse, gambling, smoking, and antisocial behaviors. 

While starting an exercise regimen and getting proper sleep may be possible to achieve on your own, therapy is provided by a mental health professional. However, in-person forms of therapy may not be available to everyone. Some individuals may not have the time to schedule appointments or travel to a therapist’s office. In these situations, platforms like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

Through an online platform, clients can choose an appointment time that works for them and their therapist, including outside standard business hours. In addition, online therapy can be attended anywhere with an internet connection via phone, video, or live chat sessions. Research also suggests that online therapy may be effective at reducing stress and other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and PTSD.