Single Parenting and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Adolescents in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State

The study examined the relationship between single parenting and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. Specifically, the study investigated the causes of single parenting, the differences in psychosocial outcomes between adolescents raised by single mothers and single fathers and the relationship between single parenting and the psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population for the study consisted of adolescents in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The sample for the study consisted of 120 adolescents selected using a simple random sampling technique. An instrument titled “Single Parenting and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Adolescents Questionnaire” was used for the collection of data for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and simple percentage to answer the research questions while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that single parenting in Ado-Ekiti is primarily caused by death, divorce, and other social factors. There is significant difference in the psychosocial well-being outcomes between adolescents raised by single fathers versus those raised by single mothers, with a tendency to view single mothers more favourably. The findings showed significant relationship between single parenting and adolescent psychosocial wellbeing, influenced by factors such as financial constraints, stress levels, and family support systems. The study recommended that government should develop and implement comprehensive support services for single-parent families, focusing on both practical and emotional assistance. Also, initiatives should be developed to support both single mothers and fathers, addressing the unique challenges each may face in parenting adolescents.