Abstract:
Literature indicated that generally, one-quarter to one-third of all families are headed by single
mothers. In developing countries like Ghana, more than 25% of households are headed by
single mothers. This phenomenon could be attributed to increased rate of divorce, desertion,
death, and imprisonment. These mothers are confronted with many burdens. The study sought
to find out how these burdens affect the level of psychological distress of mothers and whether
single and partnered mothers differ on this variable. Some of the factors considered include
employment status, family size, and educational level. Data was obtained using questionnaire
and structured interview guide from 364 single mothers and 355 partnered mothers using
purposive sampling, convenience and the snowball sampling. The design was descriptive
survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analyses. There were
significant differences between single and partnered mothers, as well as amongst those
employed in the formal sector, those employed in the informal sector and the unemployed
mothers on psychological distress. A significant negative relationship between the age of
mothers and psychological distress was observed. These findings were discussed and
intervention programmes recommended.
