Predictors of Quality of Life among Single Mothers and Single Fathers

Powell, Alana (2025) Predictors of Quality of Life among Single Mothers and Single Fathers. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

Preview

PDF (Bachelor of Arts) Download (720kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives: A growing number of studies suggest that loneliness and self-stigma are important predictors of well-being and quality of life (QOL) among single parents. However, much of this research has focused primarily on single mothers and less is understood about how these factors impact single fathers. The overall aim of this research is to examine if loneliness and self-stigma predict QOL among single parents and identify if there are gender differences.

Method: A quantitative approach using an anonymous online questionnaire through Microsoft forms recruited and analysed 93 single parents (70 women and 23 men) examining the loneliness, self-stigma and QOL.

Results: As feelings of loneliness increase, QOL decreases. Furthermore, gender differences are evident with single parent men reporting lower loneliness and self-stigma scores when compared to single mothers (p<.001). Additionally, the QOL levels among single fathers were significantly higher than single mothers indicating that single mothers had higher feelings of loneliness and self-stigma resulting in lower QOL levels.

Conclusion: The present study supports previous findings and extends these to include gender differences in loneliness, self-stigma, and QOL. Future research should examine these variables in larger, population representative samples, and include qualitative research to further examine individual beliefs and experiences surrounding single parenthood.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mothersill, David UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Loneliness; self-stigma; quality of life; single parents
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 13:36
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 13:36
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8911

Actions (login required)

View Item