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The mental health of married, cohabiting, and non-coresident parents with infants

Author

Listed:
  • DeKlyen, M.
  • Brooks-Gunn, J.
  • McLanahan, S.
  • Knab, J.

Abstract

Objectives. We compared recent parents (married, cohabiting, not cohabiting but romantically involved, and not romantically involved) to examine the association between mental health problems and relationship status. Methods. We analyzed data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study that followed a cohort of approximately 4900 births in large US cities. Our study included a large oversample of nonmarital births (n = 3700) and interviews with both mothers and fathers. We used the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form to assess depression and generalized anxiety 1 year after the birth. Self reports were used to measure heavy drinking, illicit drug use, incarceration, and partner violence. Results. Unmarried parents reported more mental health and behavioral problems than did married parents, and unmarried parents whose relationships ended before the birth reported more impairment compared with other groups of unmarried parents. Conclusions. A substantial number of children are born to unmarried parents and are at risk for poor parenting and poor developmental outcomes. Government initiatives aimed at increasing marriage rates among low-income couples need to consider the mental health status of unmarried parents.

Suggested Citation

  • DeKlyen, M. & Brooks-Gunn, J. & McLanahan, S. & Knab, J., 2006. "The mental health of married, cohabiting, and non-coresident parents with infants," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(10), pages 1836-1841.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2004.049296_9
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.049296
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sara McLanahan, 2009. "Fragile Families and the Reproduction of Poverty," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 621(1), pages 111-131, January.
    2. Hyunjoon Um, 2019. "The Role of Child Support Debt on the Development of Mental Health Problems among Nonresident Fathers," Working Papers wp19-05-ff, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    3. Lucie Schmidt & Lara Shore‐Sheppard & Tara Watson, 2023. "The Effect of Safety Net Generosity on Maternal Mental Health and Risky Health Behaviors," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 42(3), pages 706-736, June.
    4. Marcia J. Carlson, 2007. "Trajectories of Couple Relationship Quality after Childbirth: Does Marriage Matter?," Working Papers 897, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    5. repec:pri:crcwel:wp13-14-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    6. repec:pri:crcwel:wp07-01-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Marcia J. Carlson & Katherine A. Magnuson, 2011. "Low-Income Fathers’ Influence on Children," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 635(1), pages 95-116, May.
    8. Aitken, Zoe & Hewitt, Belinda & Keogh, Louise & LaMontagne, Anthony D. & Bentley, Rebecca & Kavanagh, Anne M., 2016. "Young maternal age at first birth and mental health later in life: Does the association vary by birth cohort?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 9-17.
    9. Liam Delaney & Colm Harmon & Cecily Kelleher & Caroline Kenny, 2007. "The Determinants of Self-Rated Health in the Republic of Ireland Further Evidence and Future Directions," Working Papers 200741, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    10. Julien O. Teitler & Nancy E. Reichman, 2007. "Mental Illness as a Barrier to Marriage Among Mothers With Out-of-Wedlock Births," Working Papers 907, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    11. repec:pri:crcwel:wp09-14-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    12. Marcia J. Carlson & Alicia G. VanOrman, 2013. "Trajectories of Couple Relationship Quality after Childbirth: Does Marriage Matter?," Working Papers 1481, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    13. Maryam Dilmaghani & Vurain Tabvuma, 2022. "Fragile Families in Quebec and the Rest of Canada: A Comparison of Parental Work-Life Balance Satisfaction," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 41(2), pages 695-728, April.
    14. Kate S. Adkins & Claire M. Kamp Dush, 2008. "Implications of Violent and Controlling Unions for Mothers' Mental Health and Leaving," Working Papers 1084, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    15. repec:pri:crcwel:wp10-03-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    16. repec:pri:crcwel:wp07-11-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    17. repec:pri:crcwel:wp08-14-ff is not listed on IDEAS
    18. Marcia J. Carlson & Sara S. McLanahan, 2009. "Fathers in Fragile Families," Working Papers 1189, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    19. Kristin Turney & Marcia J. Carlson, 2010. "Multi-partnered Fertility and Mental Health among Fragile Families," Working Papers 1218, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    20. repec:ucn:wpaper:10197/590 is not listed on IDEAS

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