Emotional, social, financial and psychological support is essential to a single mother’s overall health and capacity to care for her family. A deficiency in these “stress-moderating” resources can arise in a single mother’s vulnerability to stress and secondary stress-related issues.
Many single mothers nevertheless shy away from seeking the support they need due to embarrassment, lack of education, intimidation or pride. In the public sector, the continued perception of many is that single mothers are responsible for their demise due to poor life choices. Consequently, single mother are often the targets of stigmatization by Government agencies that they seek assistance from, or are the recipients of condescending, critical and judgmental treatment from acquaintances that they looked to for support.

Researchers have found that the stressors experienced by never-married single mothers differ from those experienced by single mothers whose status is the outcome of death or divorce because of the differences in the two circumstances. While some of the problems that single mothers face may be universal, those who choose the status may face unique challenges because of society’s perception and attitude regarding their decision.

In relation to financial resources, single mothers who were previously in a partnered relationship may have acquired financial assets during the course of their marriage, and those who are victims of death may more likely receive financial support from the community. On the other hand, those who were never married may suffer long-term financial struggles, unless they were financially stable prior to becoming a single parent. Studies reveal that single women who adopt are educated, with above average income, adopt a child in order to fulfill their own needs, and therefore can financially afford to raise a child (Miller, 1992). Single parents who adopt children are more reliant on extended family members and friends for longer periods and perceive outside support to be essential to the child’s adjustment.

Never-married single mothers are younger in age, with less money and often require some type of outside support. They are less likely to have shared parenting arrangements, and thus rely more on friends and family for parenting assistance. They seek out and embrace outside support, and view it as essential to their functioning. The dependence on outside support can often result in some single mothers having multiple fatherless children due to multiple failed relationships, and further compromises their ability to overcome challenges. While a high percentage of this population of single mothers usually experience short-term struggles, they are able to bounce back if they receive the support that they need to progress and ultimately triumphant in overcoming their struggles.

Divorced or separated single mothers, in contrast, receive less outside support, perceive their situation as a major life setback, and are more vulnerable to long-term stressors. They experience more emotional trauma than those who have never been married, and struggle with a heightened sense of loss- loss of a partner, loss of finances and in some instances loss of a home, relatives and friends. The life challenges of divorced or separated single mothers often begin long before the actual divorce or separation occurs, may continue long after, and may involve relationship conflict, elevating levels of distress, and increased vulnerability to stress. In addition, this population may less likely seek, or be receptive to support from friends and family members due to their perception that their struggles are the consequence of their failed marriage.

In examining the differences between never-married single mothers and those who were once married, the level of emotional stability and functioning appears to be contingent upon family history, the family members’ perception of their life circumstance, and the availability of a support network. Furthermore, survival for the single parent who is experiencing divorce or separation is more complicated because they often also face dual tasks of rebuilding their lives while assuming sole parenting responsibilities for their children. It appears that for the later group, the ability to overcome the challenges of the separation is contingent upon their marital history, ability to overcome the loss, and the willingness to acquire and rely on support networks. On the other hand, never married single mothers may experience more difficulty overcoming their challenges due to complacency or struggles with becoming self-sufficient.