Mental Health Risk For Sole Mothers
A survey of Australian women has found that young sole mothers are more likely than other women to experience suicidal thoughts - and that young and mid-aged sole mothers are more likely than other women their age to take medication for depression.
Both age groups of sole mothers are more likely to experience significantly poorer psychological health than other women.
The results of the study, by University of Newcastle health researcher, Dr Deborah Loxton, have been published in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
During the study - which forms part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health conducted by the Universities of Newcastle and Queensland - more than 9,000 women aged 22 to 27 and about 12,000 women aged 47 to 52 were surveyed. Sole mothers comprised 3 per cent of the younger group and 2 per cent of the mid-aged group.
Researchers canvassed demographic characteristics, economic status, and prevalence of suicidal thoughts, self-harm and psychoactive medication use.
The survey linked sole motherhood to poorer psychological health and higher stress - partly attributed to the lower economic status associated with sole mothers. The difference in psychological health between sole mothers and other women was greater for sole mothers in their late 40s and early 50s than for those in their 20s.
Researchers said the findings are of particular concern in Australia, where 27 per cent of 18 year olds have spent some time living in a family with a sole mother.
Dr Loxton said one of the most disturbing results of the investigation concerns suicidal ideation and self harm.
"Sole motherhood for 22- to 27-year-olds was associated with increased odds of both suicidal thoughts and actual self harm," said Dr Loxton.
"Our study underscores the need for further research into the nature of stressors experienced by sole mothers and for the development of support and intervention strategies to mitigate the health impact of stressors, including economic stressors."
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.