May 30, 2025
Mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic subgroups; however, mental and physical health status was significantly lower for single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children.
Authors in a new study exploring mental and physical health in U.S. mothers. Researchers surveyed nearly 200,000 mothers with children under 18 between 2016 and 2023.
Why It Matters: The study found significant declines in mental and physical health for mothers, as well as small declines for both in fathers, showing mothers are not alone in their difficulties. The study matches broader data indicating the general U.S. adult population, particularly parents, continues facing increased depression and anxiety rates. Just last year, the U.S. surgeon general published an advisory titled “Parents Under Pressure,” drawing attention to the stresses parents face and the impact on overall wellbeing.
- About 1 in 12 mothers rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” in 2023.
- The overall number of moms who reported “excellent” mental health declined.
- Fathers showed declines but fared better overall.
READ the full study HERE
Read More: Moms in the U.S. report large decline in mental health in recent years, study finds (CBS News)
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
