Multidimensional discrimination toward single-parent families and its association with depressive symptoms of parents: A cross-sectional study of Korean single-parent households (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Discrimination toward single-parent families (SPFs) is prevalent at structural and individual levels. OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between perceived discrimination toward SPFs and parental depressive symptoms in South Korea. METHODS This study included a nationally representative sample of 3,300 single mothers (66.8%, n=2,205) and fathers (33.2%; n=1,095). Perceived discrimination toward SPFs by single parents was measured using eight items evaluating the discrimination toward both participants and their children, which were categorized into four groups (lowest, low, high, and highest). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. To examine the association between discrimination toward SPFs and depressive symptoms in single mothers and fathers, logistic regression models were employed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. RESULTS Of all participants, 11.7% (N = 386) reported depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.7%, 6.4%, 8.2%, and 21.7% among individuals with the lowest, low, high, and highest levels of discrimination, respectively. Compared to those experiencing the lowest level of discrimination, the highest level of discrimination was associated with 4.97-fold (95% CI: 3.34–7.42) and 5.60-fold (95% CI: 2.67–11.75) higher odds of depressive symptoms among single mothers and fathers, respectively. Further analyses demonstrated that discrimination directed toward both oneself and one’s children was associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination against SPFs was prevalent in Korea and associated with depressive symptoms in both single mothers and fathers. Comprehensive policy interventions are needed to mitigate discrimination toward SPFs.