Relationship among Employment Status, Stressful Life Events, and Depression in Single Mothers

This purpose of this study was to extend our understanding of employment status as a social determinant of psychological distress among single mothers. A cross-sectional survey assessing stressful life events and depression was completed with 96 single mothers (48 employed and 48 social assistance [SA] recipients) between November 2003 and March 2004. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher for the SA recipients. Mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms were reported by 2%, 23%, and 67%, respectively, of SA recipients. Total stressful events were markedly greater for SA recipients. In addition, SA recipients reported larger numbers of housing, health, social, and financial stressors. Regression analysis indicated that 40.6% of the variation in depressive symptoms among single mothers was explained by their employment status and stressful events. The findings suggest that women's employment status significantly impacts on their psychological well-being. Implications for nursing practice, policy development, and future research are identified and discussed.