The given literature review will primarily focus on the theoretical and empirical aspects of the relationship between single-parent households and poverty, as well as the implications of the latter on mental health issues, such as addiction. It is important to note that there is a strong degree of connection between health and family dynamics, which impacts both children and adults. Evidence suggests that “parental SES and family structure are highly correlated, yet each has distinctive consequences for child health” (Carr & Springer, 2010, p. 747). In other words, poverty can directly impact the well-being of family members, especially children. Since a single-parent household is reliant on one parent’s capability to earn an income, the possibility of falling under the poverty line is higher. The latter effect translates into worse health outcomes among family members. It should also be noted that poverty impacts several generations. It is stated that “poverty among the grandparents predicted younger childbearing among the parents, which was associated with harsh parenting and thus problematic grandchild behaviors” (Carr & Springer, 2010, p. 747). Therefore, single-parent families are more vulnerable to poverty and low socioeconomic status, which directly impacts their well-being.
Moreover, single-parent families are as such primarily due to divorce, separation, or death of a second parent. It is stated that “the death of one’s spouse was associated with an elevated risk of mortality, functional limitations, and depressive symptoms” (Carr & Springer, 2010, p. 753). In other words, events that lead to single parenthood directly influence a parent’s health. Both widowed men and women are likely to experience “erratic sleep, compromised diet, and poor compliance with medication regimens, and selection” (Carr & Springer, 2010, p. 753). Therefore, the health impacts can be both short-term and long-term.
Furthermore, it is important to point out that there is a strong correlational relationship between poverty and mental illness regardless of single parenthood factors. It is stated that individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses are more likely to fall under the poverty line, be treated as second-class citizens, have poorer physical health, and lead shorter lives (Ewart et al., 2017). In other words, one’s mental health is a highly multifaceted determinant, which diminishes his or her well-being as well as the quality of life factor by a significant margin. The severity of stress imposed upon people with mental issues is also substantial. For instance, study participants on the subject reported that they underwent “a very stressful experience of uncertainty regarding continuation of the disability support pension” (Ewart et al., 2017, p. 988). Such examples are prevalent in many other areas of life, which include living costs, basic power, and water utilities, medication affordability, and accessibility, and negative social attitudes (Ewart et al., 2017). Therefore, individuals with mental health problems lead lifestyles with more essential expenses and lower income as well as less social support. All these factors cumulatively magnify the effect of mental illness on one’s well-being.
Lastly, parents in single-parent households are also likely to experience loneliness. It is stated that prolonged social isolation and loneliness lead to negative health outcomes, which facilitate the development of more severe mental health issues (Bowker et al., 2021). In other words, being or feeling lonely disrupts one’s health and well-being making such a person more prone to be diagnosed with a mental problem. The current literature points towards the fact that single-parent families are at a major disadvantage compared to regular ones. The drawbacks are manifested in low socioeconomic status, poverty, poor health, mental health problems, excessive stress, social isolation, and negative attitude toward the surrounding.
References
Bowker, J. C., Coplan, R. J., & Nelson, L. J. (2021). The handbook of solitude: Psychological perspectives on social isolation, social withdrawal, and being alone (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Carr, D., & Springer, K. W. (2010). Advances in families and health research in the 21st century. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 743–761. Web.
Ewart, S. B., Happell, B., Bocking, J., Platania-Phung, C., Stanton, R., & Scholz, B. (2017). Social and material aspects of life and their impact on the physical health of people diagnosed with mental illness. Health Expectations, 20(5), 984–991. Web.