Well-Being among Single, Black, Employed Mothers

In this study, I investigate the relationship between employment and well-being in a sample of single, black mothers in poverty balancing work and family roles. Preference for employment was associated with lower role strain and greater life satisfaction. The sample as a whole was at risk for depression. Having no education beyond high school and a preschool-aged boy predicted the least favorable outcomes, including increased strain, increased depressive symptomatology, and, regardless of educational attainment, decreased life satisfaction.