Dagmar Ständer, Annett Kuschel, Nina Heinrichs, Heike Bertram, Sebastian Naumann:
Der Einfluss von Familientyp und Partnerschaftsqualität auf die psychische Situation von Müttern und Kindern
The Influence of the Family Type and the Quality of Partnership on the Mental Situation ofMothers and their Children

2007, 236-247

Summary: Research indicates that the mental health of single parents and their children show that mothers as well as their children report more emotional and/or behavioral problems than mothers and children from dual-parent households. Furthermore numerous studies point out that both mothers and their children who live in families with many conflicts are mentally affected. The present study compares the degree of mental problems of single mothers and their children with groups of mothers in relationships with varying quality (low vs. high relationship quality) as well as behavioral problems of preschool aged children. Method: In a sample ofN= 474 children the mothers rated themselves and their children using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS), the Questionnaire of Life Satisfaction as well as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1 1⁄2 – 5). Results: Single parents are socioeconomically more distressed. However, no differences in the mental status were found between single mothers and their children vs. mothers and children who live in a distressed relationship. Both groups show higher distress compared to mothers with a high relationship quality, the children’s behavioural problems are subject to different influences. Conclusions: When doing research with single mothers the relationship quality of the comparing group should be considered. Supporting programs and counseling are suggested for single mothers and mothers with a low quality relationship.

Keywords: Single-parent, relationship quality, behavioral problems, mental distress, divorced

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