Psychosocial adjustments during the first year of single parenthood: a comparison of Mexican-American and Anglo women

Data from interviews with 232 single mothers are analyzed to assess differences between Mexican Americans and Anglos in their demographic characteristics and psychosocial stressors experienced during the first year of single parenthood. The results indicate that there are ethnic differences in their experiences that remain significant after controlling for education level and the cause of single parenthood (divorce/separation, having a child without being married, and widowhood). When the Mexican Americans became single mothers they had the disadvantages of being younger, having more children and less education; however they experienced relatively fewer disruptions in their lifestyles due to changes in their financial situation. They had geographically closer and more intact family support networks, and fewer relationships were disrupted due to geographic relocation. In spite of having higher average education and job skills, Anglo women were unable to achieve higher income levels than the Mexican Americans. The data suggest that this relative deprivation experience had strong impact on the mental health of the Anglo women. The results underscore the importance for mental health practitioners to understand ethnic differences in single mothers in the problems they encounter and the resources available to them during this major lifecycle transition. For a complete reprint of this article contact Haworth Press by telephone (1-800-HAWORTH) or Email (getinfo@haworthpressinc.com) Article copyright The Haworth Press, Inc.