AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, LIFE SATISFACTION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF SELECTED SINGLE PARENTS WITH SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN EKITI STATE

ABSTRACT

The study examined economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support as factors predicting psychological well-being among selected single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 390 single parents participated, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring economic hardship, life satisfaction, social support, and psychological well-being. The Economic Hardship and Well-being Scale (EHWS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS) were utilized to assess the relevant variables. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, and the data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that economic hardship was not a significant predictor of psychological well-being (β = -.01; t = -.49; p > .05). Findings also life satisfaction significantly and positively predict psychological well-being among the participants (β = 1.09; t = 10.01; p < .05). Finding showed that life satisfaction significantly and positively predicts psychological well-being among the participants (β = .90; t = 2.14; p < .05). Furthermore, the results indicated that economic hardship, life satisfaction, and social support jointly predicted psychological well-being (F = 49.21; df = 3; p < .05). The study concluded that life satisfaction and social support are key factors influencing the psychological well-being of single parents with school-aged children. Based on these findings, the stud y recommends that policymakers and support organizations focus on strengthening social support systems and enhancing life satisfaction to improve the psychological well-being of single parents. Further research could explore the long-term effects of these factors on well-being and extend the findings to other populations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The psychological well-being of single parents and their children have been reported influenced by various factors such as the quality of the parent-child relationship, the availability of social support, the level of economic well-being, and the coping strategies used by the parents (Gaspar et al., 2022; Liao et al., 2023). According to Ryff & Singer (2018), psychological well-being refers to an individual's overall subjective experience of positive affect, self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, positive relationships, and environmental mastery. Research has shown that single parents who have a positive and supportive relationship with their children, who receive help and assistance from their family and friends, who have adequate income and resources, and who use adaptive and problem-focused coping strategies tend to have better psychological well-being and lower stress levels than those who do not (McQuaid et al., 2015; Agnafors et al., 2019). Similarly, children who live in a single-parent family that is characterized by warmth, affection, communication, and discipline tend to have better psychological well-being and lower behavioral problems than those who live in a single-parent family that is marked by conflict, neglect, or inconsistency (Agnafors et al., 2019).

Single parents are those who raise their children without the presence or involvement of another parent, either by choice or due to circumstances such as divorce, separation, death, or abandonment (Golombok et al., 2022). Single parents face various challenges and difficulties in their daily lives, such as financial hardship, social isolation, stigma, and parenting stress. These challenges may affect their psychological well-being, which is defined as a multidimensional construct that encompasses positive aspects of mental health, such as life satisfaction, happiness, optimism, self-esteem, and resilience (Stack & Meredith, 2018; Wakai et al., 2020). According to Shook and Jones (2018), single parenting is becoming increasingly common in many countries, with the number of single-parent households rising in recent years. The concept of single parenting can also refer to the challenges faced by single parents, including financial difficulties, emotional stress, and social isolation. As Rokach (2019) notes, single parents often face stigma and discrimination, and may struggle to balance their responsibilities as caregivers with work and other obligations. Despite these challenges, many single parents are able to provide stable and supportive homes for their children. According to a study by Schneider and Hastings (2020), single mothers in particular are often highly resilient and resourceful, and are able to draw on a range of coping strategies to manage the demands of single parenting.

            Previous studies have shown that single parents have lower levels of psychological well-being than married or cohabiting parents, and that they are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and psychological distress (Stack and Meredith 2018; Zartler 2014). According to a report by the National Population Commission (2020), approximately 28.7% of households in Ekiti State are headed by single parents, with the majority being single mothers. Single parents in Ekiti State face a range of challenges, including economic hardship, social stigma, and limited access to resources and support services. Adeniyi and Adeyemo (2020) notes that single parents in Nigeria often struggle to make ends meet, and may experience high levels of stress and anxiety as a result. One of the key challenges faced by single parents in Ekiti State is the lack of support from family and community members. According to a study by Olofinjana and Oladele (2021), many single parents in Ekiti State feel socially isolated and unsupported, and may struggle to access resources such as childcare and education for their children. In addition, single parents in Ekiti State may face discrimination and negative attitudes from society at large. As Adeniran et al. (2020) note, single mothers in particular may be stigmatized and viewed as morally deficient, which can lead to further social isolation and marginalization.

However, not all single parents experience poor psychological well-being, as some factors may buffer or enhance their well-being despite the adversities they face. However, the factors that are considered in this study include economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support.

Studies have reported that economic hardship is a significant challenge faced by many single-parent families, and it can have a major impact on the well-being of both parents and children (McLanahan & Sandefur, 2003; Nieuwenhuis & Maldonado, 2018). According to Zilanawala et al. (2018), children from low-income single-parent families are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. The concept of economic hardship is defined as the inability or struggle to meet reasonable basic living expenses such as food and shelter (Cunningham 2019). It is also an onerous and excessive financial burden that destroys reasonable and beneficial use of property and that would amount to the taking of property without just compensation, or failure to achieve a reasonable economic return in the case of income-producing properties (Law Insider 2021). According to Kim & Kim (2020), economic hardship can also lead to increased stress and mental health problems among single parents themselves. Furthermore, economic hardship can affect the ability of single parents to provide basic necessities for their children, such as food and shelter. The link between economic hardship and poor mental health has been demonstrated in multiple populations. A study across 27 European countries found that single parents (in comparison to cohabiting parents and married parents) had poorer health, with the United Kingdom being substantially worse in this regard (Campbell et al. 2015; Van de Velde et al. 2014). In addition, studies have shown that single parents also experience lower levels of mental health and low psychological wellbeing (Ifcher & Zarghamee 2014), with more extensive use of the mental health services (Cairney & Wade 2002). Brown and Morgan (1997) examined marital status, poverty and depression in female parents over a 2-year period and found that single parents were twice as likely as their married counterparts to be in financial hardship (Brown and Moran 1997), despite being twice as likely to be in full-time employment. In a study of single mothers in the United States, Mezuk et al. (2020) found that financial strain was associated with a higher risk of food insecurity and housing instability, both of which can have negative impacts on children's development and well-being. Single parents may also face barriers to accessing resources and support services that can help mitigate the effects of economic hardship. For example, a study by Jorgensen and Sørensen (2019) found that single parents in Denmark were less likely to use formal childcare services due to the high cost, which could limit their ability to work and earn income. Despite, it is established in literature that economic hardship affected the psychological wellbeing of single mother, there is limited study in Ekiti State, Nigeria hence  this study.

Another variable of interest in this study is life satisfaction. Life satisfaction is a cognitive and subjective evaluation of one’s life as a whole, or of specific domains of life, such as family, work, health, and leisure. In the literature, life satisfaction is expressed as a cognitive evaluation process in which the individual's life is assessed according to certain criteria (Shin &Johnson, 1978; Diener, Emmons, Larsen &Griffin, 1985). In this framework, life satisfaction is considered as one of the components of subjective well-being. According to this, life satisfaction is one of the important concepts expressing the well-being of individuals together with positive-negative affectivity as a cognitive evaluation of life. Life satisfaction is an important component of psychological well-being, as it reflects one’s overall happiness and fulfillment in life. Previous studies have found that life satisfaction is influenced psychological wellbeing (Diener et al. 1999; Barnes et al., 2012; Lombardo et al. 2018; Rugger et al., 2020; Raithi & Lee, 2021). For single parents, life satisfaction may depend on how they cope with the challenges and opportunities of their family situation, and how they balance their roles and responsibilities as parents and individuals (Lombardo et al. 2018). Studies examining the life satisfaction as a predictor of psychological well being is limited in Nigeria literature, hence this study.

Furthermore, social support is another variable of interest in this study. Studies have reported that social support can play a crucial role in the well-being of single parents and their children. According to a study by Park et al. (2018), social support from friends and family members was associated with lower levels of stress and better mental health outcomes among single mothers. Social support can also provide practical assistance with childcare and other household tasks, which can help single parents manage their responsibilities and reduce stress (Chun & Lee, 2019). In addition, social support can help single parents feel less isolated and more connected to their communities. According to a study by Felitti et al. (2019), social support can help mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences on adult health outcomes, suggesting that social support may play a protective role in the lives of single parents and their children. Furthermore, social support can provide opportunities for single parents to engage in leisure activities and develop new skills and interests. In a study of single mothers in the United States, Quinlan et al. (2020) found that social support was positively associated with self-care behaviors, such as exercise and healthy eating, which can have positive effects on physical and mental health. Furthermore, prior research that simultaneously considered individuals’ different social relationships based on the pattern centered approach demonstrated that various relationship profiles are differentially linked to individuals’ well-being (Fiori et al., 2006; Birditt and Antonucci, 2007). These findings provided a broader perspective on the association between multiple relationships and well-being. For example, findings showed that having multiple high quality social relationships, not necessarily with a spouse, is associated with greater psychological well-being. However, if individuals do not have close friends and their support, spousal support was particularly critical for their well-being. In a similar vein, a few studies differentiated the types of relationships and examined if social support by spouses, family, and friends has different effects on psychological well-being (Okabayashi et al., 2004; Chen and Feeley, 2014). Despite, research has shown that psychological well-being is associated with positive outcomes in various domains of life, including work, relationships, and health (Diener et al., 2018, there is still a dearth in literature on whether economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are predictors of psychological wellbeing among single parents with school aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Therefore, it is important to explore if economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are predictors of psychological wellbeing among single parents with school aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Statement of Problem

Single parenting is a growing phenomenon in many countries, including Nigeria. In Ekiti State, almost one-third of households are headed by single parents, with the majority being single mothers (National Population Commission, 2020). Single parenting can be a result of various circumstances, including divorce, separation, or the death of a spouse. Regardless of the cause, single parenting is associated with a range of challenges that can have a significant impact on the well-being of both the parent and their children. One of the most significant challenges faced by single parents is economic hardship. Single parents often face financial difficulties due to the loss of income from the absent parent, as well as the cost of childcare, education, and other basic needs (Olofinjana & Oladele, 2021). Economic hardship can lead to stress and anxiety for single parents, as they struggle to make ends meet and provide for their children's needs. Furthermore, economic hardship can affect the psychological well-being of children, as they may feel the stress and strain of their parent's financial difficulties.

In addition to economic hardship, single parents may also face social stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and marginalization (Adeniran et al., 2020). Single parents may experience negative attitudes from others, including family members, friends, and members of their community. These negative attitudes can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, which can further impact the psychological well-being of both the parent and their children. Despite these challenges, many single parents are able to provide stable and supportive homes for their children. However, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to positive outcomes for single parents and their children. Previous research has shown that social support can play a significant role in buffering the negative impact of economic hardship and social stigma on the well-being of single parents and their children (Shook & Jones, 2018). However, there is limited research on whether economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are predictors of psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by exploring if economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are factors predicting psychological well-being among selected single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria.  In the lime of this, the study will address the following research questions:

1. Will economic hardship predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children?
2. Will life satisfaction predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children?
3. Will social support predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children?
4. Will economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support independently and jointly predict of psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children?

Purpose of the Study

The main objective of this study was to examine whether economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are factors predicting psychological well-being among selected single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study include;

1. To determine if economic hardship will predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children
2. To ascertain if life satisfaction will predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children
3. To determine if social support will predict psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children
4. To examine if economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support will independently and jointly predict of psychological well-being among single parents with school-aged children.

Significance of the Study

            The findings of this study will be of significance to single parents, psychologists, researchers and the general population in highlighting whether economic hardship, life satisfaction and social support are factors predicting psychological well-being among selected single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

            First, the findings of this study will contribute to the limited research on the relationship between economic hardship, social support, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction among single parents with school-aged children in Ekiti State.

Second, the findings from this study will provide insight into the challenges faced by single parents and the types of support they require to enhance their well-being and that of their children.

Third, the study will provide a basis for the development of effective interventions and support systems for single parents in Ekiti State.

Third, For clinical psychologists, the study can provide insights into the psychological needs and challenges of single parents, and help them design and deliver effective interventions and counseling services to enhance their well-being and coping skills.

For students, the study can offer an opportunity to learn about the diversity and complexity of family forms and experiences, and to develop empathy and respect for single parents and their children.

For researchers, the study can contribute to the existing literature on single parenthood and psychological well-being, and identify gaps and directions for future research in this area.

For the general public, the study can raise awareness and understanding of the realities and struggles of single parents, and promote social support and inclusion for them and their children.