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.

In Australia, ethical shifts have similarly resulted in escalating divorce rates, and single parent births that have led to changes in family structure, and a rise in the single parent phenomenon.   Webber & Boromeo (2005) projects that by the year 2021 there will be approximately 1.2 million Australian, single-parent families.

Studies revealed that sixty percent of Australian single mothers with young children do not acquire paid employment because of issues with securing childcare. Because of a deficiency in childcare help in some areas of Australia, women with children, (particularly younger children) are more likely to stay at home to tend to their childcare responsibilities while sacrificing their financial earnings.

The extended family continues to have a strong presence in Australia. As a result, many single parents rely on emotional and practical support from their relatives to help them manage their responsibilities. The level of support that a single parent receives nevertheless varies according to the reason for the single-parent status and the moral and religious practices within their community. Religious communities in Australia shun divorced single parents.

India is not exempted from the revolution in family dynamics and structure that the other nations have experienced due to divorce, the loss of men through death and imprisonment, absentee fathers, and other forms of family disruption.  The majority of single parent families in India are mother headed because it is not common for a mother to abandon her family.

With the father traditionally being the primary financial supporter of the Indian family, his absence results in a drastic decrease in the family’s income, and in extreme cases, poverty.  Most single mothers in India have limited education or job skills, and as a result do not acquire high-paying jobs.  In many instances, they make just enough to provide only the basic needs for their family.

Another challenge that Indian single mothers face is disciplining their children. Since the father is perceived to be the primary disciplinarian in Indian families, mothers are usually not adequately prepared to assume the disciplinarian role in the absence of the resulting in behavioral issues among the children.

The Israeli society is also making slow progress towards accepting the transition from the traditional family structure to the contemporary single-parent family. Moreover, in the last few decades more women in Israel are choosing to become single mothers by choice due to an escalating trend of single, older women opting to have babies. According to the Israel Bureau of Statistics (2003), the number of single women 40 years and over who are opting to have children is rapidly increasing.  Contrary to women who involuntarily entered into single-parenthood, Israeli women who choose to become single mothers are usually more educated, financially independent and are receive support from friends and relatives. Nevertheless, due to the religious orientation of the Israeli society and the religious laws that govern family dynamics, single mothers, regardless of the reason for the status are stigmatized and socially isolated.

Despite traditional Chinese family values, the number of single-parent families in Hong Kong has tripled in the last 10 years primarily due the rise in divorce rates. However, due to the high level of virtuousness amongst Chinese communities, and a value system regarding conflict resolution, family harmony and marital sacrifices, the single-parent family is considered problematic, broken or dysfunctional.

A high percentage of Chinese single parents are welfare dependent but are highly invested in the care and well-being of their children.  As a result, they battle with the desire to be responsible citizens versus the need to be effective parents. This leads to their continued reliance on the government to support their needs.
Today, the single-parent phenomenon has filtered into African societies for reasons that are comparable to those identified in other nations of the world.  Marriage is devalued, and extended family support for children without fathers has decreased.  Many African families now encounter family separation resulting from infidelity, and violence. In addition, widowed parents are no longer finding it easy to remarry, the rise in poverty is preventing extended families from supporting children who have lost a parent, and pregnancies outside of marriage are becoming a common practice among young women, especially educated women who view marriage negatively.  Poverty is seen as analogous to single-parenthood in Kenya, and has resulted in associated ills such as family violence and the abandonment of children, which ultimately leads to an increase in single-parent families.