Which group is at higher risk of maltreatment and experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression?

The group at higher risk of maltreatment and experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression is indeed single mothers. Research consistently indicates that single mothers face unique challenges that can contribute to higher levels of stress and psychological distress. These challenges can include financial instability, social isolation, and a lack of emotional and practical support, all of which can impact mental health.

Single mothers often bear the sole responsibility for their child's care, which can lead to overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly if they are managing work and childcare without a partner's assistance. These stressors can also increase the risk of maltreatment, as the pressures of parenting without adequate support may lead to difficulties in managing the demands of parenting effectively.

In contrast, married parents and co-parenting couples typically have access to shared resources and support systems, which can help mitigate the impact of parenting stress. Single fathers, while they also face challenges, do not experience the same prevalence of mental health issues associated with parenting alone as single mothers do. Therefore, the data supporting the increased risk among single mothers is well-established in the field of perinatal mental health.