The Unique Experience of Single Immigrant Mothers
People immigrate for the opportunities and the possibilities that a new environment offers. However, immigration can also come at a high cost. Immigrants in general and first-generation immigrants precisely frequently encounter psychological, social, cultural, and economic barriers they often face without adequate resources (Nassar-McMillan; Rogers- Sirin, Ryce, and Sirin). Single-mother immigrants are especially vulnerable to poverty, isolation and discrimination. And because most of the time, their diplomas and professional experiences are discounted in their new country of residency, they end up working on jobs that are time-consuming, hard on their bodies and at the lowest salary range since. For these reasons, returning to school has been, for many, a chance to upgrade their socioeconomic reality. But it also turns out to be an additional stressor to these women who are already caregivers and have to work sometimes multiple jobs, all of this at the same time.
The struggle of immigrant single mothers is an important issue to highlight because being at the intersection of multiple stressors is a difficult position to be in. The unique experience of this intersection is often overlooked in job environments and academic settings. On the one hand, the norms are for what is perceived as traditional families; on the other, curriculums, lectures, exams and overall academic environment are not made for this profile. This brings layers of complexity to their lived experience and their children and an almost impossible situation that only a few venture into at a high cost to their mental health. But at the same time, accessing education and job opportunities and having adequate social support are precisely what single immigrant mothers need.
This blog post aims to bring attention to the multiple disadvantages that intersect and create a unique experience for these women so that they are seen and, hopefully, get the support they need for them and their children to strive and become full society participants.
STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH
There are limited existing studies on these mothering experiences, and therefore, the need for further examination of the experiences of moms who endure societal oppression on various levels, especially mothers who identify as immigrant and single (Tsai et al. 2017). However, certain social psychology concepts help us understand the challenges of this intersection and significantly capture the reality of sole immigrant mothers. Some of these include the concept of stress and its effect on mental health and other concepts, such as schema (negative stereotypes) and conformity.
Stress negatively affects people's health and can affect how long someone lives, even if the person is not experiencing a health crisis (Morse, Martin & Moshonov, 1991). The definitions attached to the concepts of stress vary. For example, stress is viewed as 1) someone's physiological reaction to threatening events Hans Selye (1956, 1976), 2) how people change and readjust their lives in response to the demands of their environment (Holmes and Rahe, 1967), and 3) the feeling or beliefs attached to our interpretation of the event and how it affects our well-being (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
The sources of stress are multiple for single immigrant mothers who experience all manifestations of stress as the by-product of numerous stressors: being a student, financial stress, acculturative stress, discrimination, stigma, lack of perceived control, lack of time and the mental charge associated with being a caregiver and combining all these identities at the same time.
"Single-mother families often face structural disadvantages due to having lower income and less time together with their children. Maternal vulnerability may influence not only the mother's mental health and well-being but also her child's development and well-being (Goodman et al., 2011). The number of
children also counts, which is a crucial predictor of maternal mental health. The more children, the bigger the risk for depression (Horwitz et al. 2007; Sperlich et al. 2011b).
Stigma
I recently had a chance to interview five immigrant women from different backgrounds to learn more about their experiences, including mine. Stereotyping was the most prevalent manifestation of stigmatization brought up by mothers I interviewed. This also coincides with the research and source I have gathered and applied from various backgrounds and situations. Single mothers are judged and shamed. They are seen as poor, amoral and less of a person because they go against the norm of having a child within a marriage. These external expectations can significantly impact single immigrants' mental health and well-being (Zhu).
Single immigrant mothers receive backlash from their own community, which expects them to stay in relationships and conform to socially constructed norms (Ayubi; Yu). They are also shamed in their countries of residence when their ways of mothering differ from the culture in their new country of residence. The pervasive and potentially harmful effect of mothering ideologies can lead to increased feelings of guilt and shame in this population due to the societal consequences of stereotyping and marginalization (Afifi et al.; Ayubi; Wong and Bell)."Social pressure to conform has a detrimental impact on individual mental health. When someone is pressured to conform, this could lead to increased stress, sadness, anxiety, and other adverse effects. has
In 2014, in Canada, for example, 69% of single mothers were working (statistic Canada). Although most single mothers are the breadwinner, there is a negative perception that they usually want to avoid work to receive benefits. Being single is also perceived as voluntary (Though nothing is wrong with that), mainly attributed negatively to their character (not fit for marriage) instead of their circumstances.
Discrimination
Immigrants are more likely to experience discriminatory encounters, behaviours, and policies than other non-dominant communities (Ginsberg and Sinacore; Ratts et al.). Discrimination and stigmatization can have serious negative consequences on immigrants’ psychological health. (Viruell-Fuentes, Miranda, and Abdulrahim; Wilkins‐Laflamme). Single mothers of colour are at a higher risk of depression than white mothers (Wang 2004). Today, Muslim women, for example, are still facing the impact of islamophobia following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including public policies regarding them. As a result of discrimination and stigmatization, immigrant mothers with Arabic-sounding names have experienced an increase in poor birth outcomes and mental health problems (Viruell-Fuentes, Miranda, and Abdulrahim; Wilkins‐Laflamme).
Discrimination and stereotypes have an impact on their self-esteem. According to the theories of the self (self-schema), one person’s beliefs about themselves influence their world views, actions, the information they retain and how they evaluate them. Cooley’s theory, people do not develop their sense of self in isolation; they use social interaction as a “mirror,” comparing their own worth, principles, and actions to what others may think of them. This process is known as the looking-glass self. Indeed, when someone is constantly reminded of a critical voice, they internalize it and start hearing it as theirs.
Stigma and discrimination affect immigrant single mothers in that sense. Because they internalize the image reflected in them by society through harmful stereotypes, they start viewing themselves as such, which has a detrimental effect on their mental health.
Rejection is the by-product of stigma and discrimination. Rejection is also associated with low self-esteem because it speaks to the human evolutionary need to belong. Social rejection also increases
feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy and sadness (Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2011).
Acculturative Stress
Holmes and Rahe (1967) stated that what causes stress is the degree to which people have to adjust and reorganize their lives in reaction to outside events. The more the adjustment needed, the biggest the stress. For immigrants, the amount of adjustment comes on multiples level: Administration, language barrier, new culture, new physical environment, and new world views. This is known as acculturative stress and from first-generation immigrants frequently encountering psychological, social, cultural, and economic difficulties for which they lack coping mechanisms and valuable resources(Nassar-McMillan; Rogers- Sirin, Ryce, and Sirin).".
For single mothers, the degree of stress is even higher. According to Muhammad and Gagnon (2017), the convergence of factors affecting single mothers, including education, money, and sense of belonging, is what causes this high level of stress. Indeed, the social and cultural adjustment experience by a single individual impacts their mental which translates into anxiety (Muhammad and Gagnon (2017). Moreover, for immigrant mothers, such stress may increase the risk of postpartum depression (Morgan et al.).
Finances, balancing work, study and childcare are also an important source of stress for single immigrant mothers who face higher financial and structural barriers than other mothers (Knoef & Ours, 2016; Browne et al.). Finding appropriate childcare services that meet single mothers' needs and flexibilities is also a struggle. The current childcare system is not flexible enough for mothers to access childcare to succeed in the labour market. Therefore, there is a need for a more flexible system that enables single mothers, especially those who cannot access support from their family, to find, keep their job and pursue their studies.
University life is also full of stress, not to mention that it also costs money, which is an additional financial stress for single mothers. A large-scale study of university students across Canada found that psychological distress, e.g. anxiety depression was significantly higher among students than in Canada's general population. Chronic stress, which the American Psychological Association defines as “stimulation lasting for a period of time, could lead to mental and physical weakness that affects brain function.” Chronic stress is also strongly associated with someone's ability to focus and regulate attention.
As a result of these multiple stressors, single immigrant mothers are at risk for numerous mental health problems that affect their health and academic performance, access to jobs and the ability to keep them. Adding the experience of isolation and marginalization while raising kids with limited support puts single immigrant mothers at risk for anxiety and postpartum depression (Guruge et al.; Muhammad and Gagnon; Sawers and Wong; Urindwanayo)."
Before we dive into the solution, here are some additional facts about single immigrant mothers' mental health:
- Single mothers are at higher risk of depression than married mothers (Cairney et al. 2003; Colton et al. 2015; Crosier et al. 2007; Robinson et al. 2014; Sperlich et al. 2011a; Wang 2004).
- Single mothers of colour have a higher risk of depression than white mothers (Wang 2004).
- Single mothers are three times more predisposed to poor health and depression than their married counterparts (Cairney et al. 2004; Colton et al. 2015).
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Here are some proposed solutions to support single immigrants: Creating awareness, changing people’s attitudes and developing a sense of community is a good start.
— Raising awareness
Raising awareness help break the stigma surrounding single immigrant mothers. Allowing them to share their stories in a safe space and breaking down their reality help develop compassion and hopefully promote social behaviour for a more inclusive social and academic environment that benefits all.
— Creating appropriate socioeconomic resources to support single immigrant mothers
Compared to people who feel they have little control over their lives, those who believe they do tend to experience less stress, anxiety, and boredom; resources to support single immigrant students' mothers could help them regain a sense of control over their lives. These resources could come in the form of:
1- FINANCIAL AIDS
The high unemployment and poverty rate in immigrant populations is often due to language barriers, education, culture shock, and discrimination (Dlamini, Anucha, and Wolfe; Lu, Wang, and Han)."
Subsistence financial aid
Bursary and grant to cover school fees
Package to cover prolonged therapies sessions that meet the need of single immigrant student mothers
2- FLEXIBLE CHILDCARE SERVICES AND SUPPORT
Discrimination and stigmatization can have serious negative consequences on immigrant groups' psychological health. A single mother's entry into employment is contingent upon finding childcare that matches her work hours. This also applies to schools where the schedule does not always align with the reality and needs of mothers. Finding a suitable formal childcare or social support (friends, close family members if available) place may thus be critical to her successful transition into paid work and studies.
Flexible childcare service that meets the need of single mothers with limited social support
Support from: Institutions, communities, family, friends, and self-help groups, in the context of a mixed childcare package, is crucial for enabling them to achieve strong employment trajectories."
"Thirdly, few formal childcare options are available when single parents require emergency care because their usual arrangements have fallen apart. Informal carers may play a critical role in helping single mothers to adjust to these changing circumstances. "
Millar and Ridge's (2009) recent research on single mothers leaving income support highlights the critical role that social relations play in enabling them to achieve employment sustainability. Specifically, their findings highlight the important role that social relations within (and outside) the family play in helping them maintain employment over time (Millar and Ridge 2009). This chapter elaborates on their findings by arguing that for women with young children, a very specific form of social support, namely informal childcare from friends or relatives
3- JOBS AND ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS
When mental and emotional exhaustion sets in, it further drains our ability to focus, concentrate, and recall information. Social rejection reduces performance on difficult intellectual tasks and can also contribute to aggression and poor impulse control, as DeWall explains in a recent review
Flexibility is crucial for single mothers in the job environment
Time accommodation: Additional time to do the numerous immigration-related administrative procedures.
Extended time for study and exam preparation and submission
Keep in mind that night events/classes or early schedules may not be convenient for this population
For university students precisely, it may be helpful to consider a two-courses during a semester as full-time so that single mothers could access advantages related to full-time students (for example, Bus pass).
4- ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
In order to help alleviate stress in immigrant populations in general, researchers have suggested a need for a more culturally appropriate service available in multiple languages (Muhammad and Gagnon; Thomson et al.; Vigod et al.). Muhammad and Gagnon have also argued for education, employment, and community engagement support. In Canada, immigrant populations face significant challenges that limit their access to mental health services. These challenges include a lack of awareness of mental health services, cultural barriers to seeking mental health support, and settlement difficulties complicating the process of utilizing services (Saleem and Martin; Thomson et al.). Complicating limitations to service access, single immigrant mothers face financial, emotional, social, and cultural barriers that increase their risk of developing mental health problems (Daryanani et al.; Dziak, Janzen, and Muhajarine; Muhammad and Gagnon).
5- SOCIAL SUPPORT
Those who had adequate social support experienced less psychological distress (e.g., depression, anxiety) than those who were lacking in social support (Lefrançois et al.,2002).
Support group/discussion group/ self-help group/organizing
Activities to relax to reconnect with self and body
Parents' children bonding activities
In sum, single immigrant mothers' lived experience is full of stressors that intersect and create a difficult reality for them. Being an immigrant single mother can indeed be a lonely and challenging experience(Vesely et al.). But it does not have to be. Single immigrant mothers could strive in their lives and studies when provided with the needed support and acceptance from their social circle, community and institutions.
