The effect of marital status on psychological distress among single and partnered mothers in Ghana: The moderating role of employment status

Abstract

Literature indicated that generally, one-quarter to one-third of all families are headed by single mothers. In developing countries like Ghana, more than 25% of households are headed by single mothers. This phenomenon could be attributed to increased rate of divorce, desertion, death, and imprisonment. These mothers are confronted with many burdens. The study sought to find out how these burdens affect the level of psychological distress of mothers and whether single and partnered mothers differ on this variable. Some of the factors considered include employment status, family size, and educational level. Data was obtained using questionnaire and structured interview guide from 364 single mothers and 355 partnered mothers using purposive sampling, convenience and the snowball sampling. The design was descriptive survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analyses. There were significant differences between single and partnered mothers, as well as amongst those employed in the formal sector, those employed in the informal sector and the unemployed mothers on psychological distress. A significant negative relationship between the age of mothers and psychological distress was observed. These findings were discussed and intervention programmes recommended.

A phenomenological study on recurrent teenage pregnancies in effutu municipality- Ghana.the experiences of teenage mothers

“…Additionally, in the Ghanaian society, marriage confers on a woman a high degree of respectability [ 48 ]. Marriage is seen as a permit for reproducing and coupled with the teenagers’ inability to prove paternity of her children in a cultural milieu where parenting is defined by emphasizing the role of a father [ 49 ], it is certain she would face stigmatisation in society.…”

Analysing Material Well-Being: the Role of Socio-Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors

“…According to Mensah, Asamani, and Asumeng (2017), about one quarter to one-third of all families were raised by single mothers due to increased divorce, desertion, death, and imprisonment. A study has been made by using factors of employment status, family size, and educational level to analyze the effect of the level of psychological distress of mothers and whether single and partnered mothers differ in these variables.…”

“…Nidup et al (2018) reported that the above-average well-being score with nature of the relationship with children, education level, and employment status as an independent correlate, while the well-being of older adults was more relevant to enhancing the relationship between family members.As stated byGraham and Chattopadhyay (2012), the presence of legal and constitutional provisions has significantly affected the well-being of women in low-income countries, particularly married women, through a great variance in gender rights. However, it has much less variance, which shows an insignificant effect on the well-being of women in the higher-income countries as they practice an equal gender right.According toMensah, Asamani, and Asumeng (2017), about one quarter to one-third of all families were raised by single mothers due to increased divorce, desertion, death, and imprisonment. A study has been made by using factors of employment status, family size, and educational level to analyze the effect of the level of psychological distress of mothers and whether single and partnered mothers differ in these variables.…”