Nearly 80 percent of single-parent families in the United States are headed by single mothers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and academic research has shown that these single mothers are far more likely to experience poverty, psychological distress, low self-esteem and a lack of emotional support. Single motherhood, said Naomi Torres-Mackie, a clinical psychologist focusing on women’s mental health in New York City, often leads to role strain — the stress that comes when a person cannot fulfill the multitude of responsibilities required by their societal role. “Sharing resources is key, and can be an antidote to not just role strain, but social isolation and stigma,” she said.

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