Predictors of Coping in Divorced Single Mothers

The minimal amount of previous research which has examined coping in single mothers has not assessed multiple variables within one study. Through multivariate techniques, the present study examined the effects of demographic variables, variables specific to marriage and divorce, and coping resources (internal and external) on the adjustment of single mothers. Adjustment was assessed via depressed mood, anxiety and perceived coping. The results indicate that four classes of variables have an effect on the mother's adjustment: phase of divorce and/or separation; numbers and ages of children; style of coping; and education.