Stigmatization as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being of Hong Kong Single Mothers

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of stigmatization and other pressures associated with single-motherhood on a variety of well-being variables. A sample of 356 Hong Kong Chinese single mothers, whose marriage ended due to divorce, husband's death, separation or desertion, responded to the self-administered questionnaire. The results show that stigmatization is a very salient factor affecting nine out of the eleven domains of psychological well-being. The impact on well-being of other social pressures, i.e., personal burdens and custodial responsibilities is rather limited. Deterioration in the employment situation after becoming a single parent is found to be the strongest predictor of stigmatization, whereas being on welfare and a lack of employment are positively and significantly correlated with stigmatization.

Key Words:

• Stigmatization
• single mothers
• well-being
• Hong Kong