Self-reported mental health of mothers declined significantly from 2016 to 2023, a study published May 27 in JAMA Internal Medicine found.
The study examined data from more than 198,000 female parents of children aged 0 to 17.
Here are five things to know:
- The prevalence of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health declined from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023.
- The percentage of mothers reporting “fair/poor” mental health rose from 5.5% in 2016 to 8.5% in 2023.
- The study also examined self-reported physical health among mothers. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent physical health declined from 28% to 23.9%, while the share reporting good physical health rose from 24.3% to 28%.
- Mental health declined across socioeconomic groups, but mothers who were U.S.-born, single parents, less educated, or had publicly insured or uninsured children were more likely to report worse physical and mental health.
- The study points to a need for further investigation of the underlying causes of mental health decline among mothers, the study’s authors concluded.
The study was conducted by researchers at New York City-based Columbia University and Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan.
Read the full study here.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
