STRESSFUL LIVES

Abstract

This study sought to determine if the often described negative situation of divorced mothers and their children is in fact related to the father's absence or if it is largely a function of the low income that so often follows a divorce. Seventy-two divorced and married mothers at two income levels were interviewed. The results suggest that income is the key factor. While some stresses are higher in divorced families even when income is not an issue, by and large the low income divorced mothers reported the highest levels of stress. High levels of stress were found to be significantly related to the mothers being more demanding and restrictive with their children.