Personal growth of single mothers by choice in the transition to motherhood: a comparative study

ABSTRACT

Objective: In view of the heightened stress that might accompany a woman’s decision to have a child on her own, we examined the experience of personal growth following the transition to motherhood of single mothers by choice and a comparison group of mothers in a couple relationship. We also examined the contribution of attachment style, resilience, and perceived social support to mothers’ personal growth.

Method: The sample consisted of 152 first-time Israeli mothers aged 28–48 whose children were no older than two. Of them, 76 were single mothers by choice and 76 were in a couple relationship.

Results: Single mothers reported higher personal growth and less support from a significant other than mothers in a relationship. In addition, higher age, better economic status, and being a single mother contributed significantly to personal growth. Furthermore, among mothers in a relationship, higher growth was associated with more perceived support from the family, whereas among single mothers, it was associated with more perceived support from a significant other.

Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of single mothers by choice to experience personal growth in the transition to motherhood, and the prominent role of support from a significant other in facilitating this experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Single mothers by choice
• transition to motherhood
• personal growth
• attachment orientation
• resilience
• social support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.