Family structure, gender, and health in the context of the life course

We estimate the effects of single parenthood on parental health and determine whether such effects are similar for all single parents or whether there are variations by gender among young, middle-aged, and older adults. The results of our analyses of the Canadian National Population Health Survey (NPHS) reveal that single parenthood is associated with elevated psychological distress and alcohol consumption among women, especially among those who are in younger age groups. Although we find no such differences among men, there is some indication of elevated distress among younger fathers. We discuss the implications of these findings for thinking about single parenthood at various life stages.