Significant life experiences and depression among single and married mothers

We examine the relationships among early family adversities, depression, and family status using a sample of single and married mothers. Regardless of whether they are never-married or separated or divorced, single mothers report higher lifetime and 1-year prevalence rates of depression than married mothers. By examining the connections among adversities, depressive episodes, and family status, we demonstrate the importance of early adversities in childhood and adolescence in explaining these differences in depression according to marital status. Specifically, higher rates of depression among single mothers are due, in part, to a greater likelihood of early childhood adversities, which then increase the risk for early onset of depression. Interestingly, women whose childhoods have been relatively free of adversities are more likely either to report no depressive episodes or to have a later onset of depression. These latter trajectories are more common among married than among single mothers. We discuss the relevance of these findings for understanding the interplay of stressful experience, depressive illness, and family status.