Exposure to Single Parenthood in Childhood and Later Mental Health, Educational, Economic, and Criminal Behavior Outcomes

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Abstract
During the past 50 years, there have been marked changes in the structure of families in developed Western societies. These changes have involved increasing rates of separation, divorce, and repartnering.1-5 One of the consequences of this trend is that many children are spending some time of their childhood in single-parent families.1,6,7 In turn, these social trends have led to ongoing debates about the effects of single parenthood on the health, well-being, and life opportunities of children.8-11 A number of studies have examined the effects of single parenthood on the outcomes of children, but differing conclusions have been reached regarding the causal role of single parenthood. Most researchers12-16 have noted that the effects of single parenthood on childhood outcomes tend to be small and that many of the associations between single parenthood and childhood outcomes are explained by social and contextual factors associated with single parenthood. Those taking this view have tended to emphasize the view that the critical factors that determine childhood well-being are related to family functioning rather than family structure.12,15-17 However, an increasing number of researchers, and social and political commentators, have suggested that single parenthood is a major contributor to health, educational, and behavioral problems in childhood.11,18-24 These theorists have argued for the need for social and economic policy that discourages increases in levels of single parenthood.10,22,23