There is very little difference in terms of support, feelings and emotional health between partnered and lone mothers, according to a Bangor University study.
Clare Winger and her team from the centre for social policy research and development compared the lifestyle of 91 single and co-habiting mothers in Rhyl on the North Wales coast.
Most of the women had high levels of social contact with family, friends and neighbours. Their satisfaction and concerns revolved around their children.
Most had received only a basic education and an income well below the national average. Both single and partnered women expressed feelings of loneliness, depression and low morale.