Are Adolescents at Mental Health Risk in Single Parent Families?

The study examined the mental health status, school adjustment and scholastic achievement of adolescents in single parent families with reference to gender and family structure. The sample comprised 93 adolescents and their single mothers. Data was gathered using Developmental Psychopathology Check List of Children, School Adjustment Inventory, and the Scholastic Achievement record of the adolescents. Results were analysed using multivariate ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. The results revealed that no differences existed in the mental health status and school adjustment of adolescents by gender. However, significant gender differences were evident for scholastic achievement. Regarding family structure, adolescents from nuclear families were significantly better adjusted in school than their counterparts from single parent families. The results also indicated that adolescents who had better mental health status were better adjusted and achieved more in schools. The study suggests planning of intervention strategies and undertaking active research on guidance and counselling involving mothers and adolescents in single parent families.