Influence of the Negative Life Changes Experienced after Becoming Single Mothers on Parenting Stress: Focusing on the Moderated Mediation Effect of Depression by Low-Income Status

Abstract

Background: This study examines the influence of negative life changes experienced after becoming single mothers and their influence on parenting stress, focusing on the moderated mediation effect of depression influenced by low-income status.Methods: The research questions were tested by using raw data from the Survey of Single-parent Families and applying the PROCESS macro method.Results: First, the negative life changes experienced after becoming single mothers were found to positively and significantly influence parenting stress. Second, a partial mediation effect was observed: The levels of negative life changes increased the levels of depression, which, in turn, increased the levels of parenting stress. Third, the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between single mothers’ negative life changes and parenting stress was more pronounced for those with low income compared to those with medium and high income.Conclusions: This study suggests strategies to address single mothers’ parenting stress.