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Suicidal thoughts among adolescents are brought about by numerous factors. One of the factors that have continually contributed to a rise in mortality rates among adolescent children is single-parent households. Such children are twice as likely to commit suicide compared to those that come from two-parent homes. To examine this problem, it is imperative to look into some of the social factors that lead to suicide among these children. On the other hand, lack of play in childhood may contribute to a negative impact on their emotional development, lead to depression, anxiety, attention problems, and self-control. This signifies that a child’s developmental period is essential in his or her transition into adulthood.
Divorce, separation, and death are factors that lead to globally increased cases of single parenthood. Children’s vulnerability to suicidal behavior is mostly dependent on their social relationships and interactions with the family. Children who have expressed dissatisfaction with the social support they get from their family tend to suffer from depressive thoughts, mostly during adolescence. Low family support is a critical predictor of suicidal attempts among adolescents (Zaborskis, Sirvyte & Zemaitiene, 2016). A lot of time pressure and limited economic resources are some of the challenges that single mothers face when bringing up their children. Previous studies have acknowledged that a change in family structure may negatively impact a child; thus, these children are likely to experience emotional and psychological problems (Zaborskis et al., 2016). The prevalence of emotional and behavioral characteristics is lower in children living with both of their biological parents as opposed to those that live away from their birth parents.
Lack of communication is a critical factor that may lead to the advancement of suicidal thoughts among adolescents. A study conducted in Estonia in single-parent homes revealed that adolescents between ages 11 and 13 years who had excellent communication and social interactions with their mothers were less likely to develop depressive feelings and suicidal thoughts than those who did not (Brent, 2020). Those aged between 11 to 15 years who expressed poor communication with their birth mothers were more susceptible to suicidal thoughts (Brent, 2020). One crucial area of focus was also on those children living with a step-parent. It was found that adolescents living with step-parents were more vulnerable to developing depressive feelings and suicidal thoughts. Single parents with enough family resources, attention, and care for their children were less likely to experience any sign of depression and anxiety among their children
Single-parenthood challenges stretch to the child’s interactions with his or her peers. Playing during childhood is in short supply in the modern world. Many children remain indoors most of the time. This poses a great risk for the child’s development and maturity and is a contributing factor to depression and anxiety among them. Over the years, there has been a significant decline in children’s free play (Mandelli, Petrelli & Serretti, 2015). This is because parents have assumed control over children’s activities. When children are permitted to be in control of their play, they get a boost in their mental health and fitness and, as such, are less likely to develop depression or anxiety during adolescence or adulthood.
Lack of play may be witnessed more in children with single parents than children with two parents. In the case of divorce and separation, children are likely to be troubled and depressed, especially if the parents do not talk to them about the problem with them. Single parents, knowing they have a challenge, should tend to communicate with their children from time to time and be open to them about things that matter to the family. Seeking their attention is consequential as the child may opt to share most of their thoughts, making it easier to counter any sign of suicidal thoughts before they surface.
Overall, many single parents achieve success by providing a good upbringing to their children. However, it is easier for two parents to be successful in bringing up their children than a single parent. Less economic resources and limited time available is a big challenge to some single parents. On the other hand, childhood play is very significant in a child’s development. Children should be allowed to play freely, as this has a great impact on their mental health fitness.
References
Brent, D. A. (2020). Commentary: Reducing adolescent suicide: a global imperative–a reflection on Glenn et al. (2020). Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 61(3), 309-311.
Mandelli, L., Petrelli, C., & Serretti, A. (2015). The role of specific early trauma in adult depression: a meta-analysis of published literature. Childhood trauma and adult depression. European Psychiatry, 30(6), 665-680.
Zaborskis, A., Sirvyte, D., & Zemaitiene, N. (2016). Prevalence and familial predictors of suicidal behavior among adolescents in Lithuania: a cross-sectional survey 2014. BMC public health, 16(1), 554.