Aging Single Parents: Psychosocial Outcomes and Well-Being Among a Marginalized Population
2024

Aging Single Parents: Psychosocial Outcomes and Well-Being

Sample size: 38785 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hanes Douglas

Primary Institution: Stony Brook University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

How do aging experiences differ among single parents compared to other groups?

Conclusion

Aging single parents face significant discrimination and have poorer psychosocial well-being compared to their peers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Single parents were more likely to report discrimination due to race.
  • Single mothers of color reported discrimination due to financial status.
  • Single parents received less positive social support from their children.
  • Single parents experienced higher rates of depression and lower self-rated health.

Takeaway

Single parents, especially single mothers of color, often feel left out and face more challenges as they get older.

Methodology

The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study and analyzed psychosocial outcomes using multilevel regressions.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported data regarding discrimination and social support.

Limitations

The study focuses only on single parents who were never married at baseline, which may not represent all single parents.

Participant Demographics

Participants included single parents, primarily women and people of color, with lower education levels and wealth.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2146

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