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A new study reveals a significant decline in the mental health of mothers across the United States, with self-reported “excellent” mental health dropping from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023. The findings, published online in JAMA Internal Medicine and led by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, highlight a concerning trend that cuts across socioeconomic backgrounds.
Key Findings
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The proportion of mothers reporting “fair” or “poor” mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5% over the same period.
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In contrast, physical health changes were less pronounced, with “excellent” physical health reports declining from 28.0% to 23.9%.
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The decline in mental health was observed broadly, but was especially marked among US-born mothers, single parents, those with lower educational attainment, and mothers whose children were publicly insured or uninsured.
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The study analyzed data from 198,417 female biological or adoptive parents of children aged 0-17, representing over 42 million mothers nationwide.
Trends Began Before the Pandemic
Researchers noted that the downward trend in maternal mental health began before the COVID-19 pandemic, although the pandemic was associated with a further increase in reports of “fair” or “poor” mental health.
Socioeconomic Disparities
The mental health declines were consistent across socioeconomic groups but were significantly worse among mothers facing socioeconomic disadvantages. The authors emphasized the need for targeted interventions, writing, “Investments are needed to investigate and address the underlying causes of mental health decline among US mothers, especially those of low socioeconomic status”.
Study Limitations
The study relied on self-reported health ratings using a four-point Likert scale, which, while predictive of future medical care and mortality, may not always align with clinical diagnoses. Researchers acknowledged that self-reported measures could reflect more permanent aspects of health rather than acute conditions, and reporting may vary by sex and age.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Internal Medicine and reported by Medscape. The results are based on self-reported survey data and should not be interpreted as clinical diagnoses. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.
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