Resilience and Well-Being of Korean Unwed Mothers: A Moderated Mediation Model

Even in the face of social stigma and discrimination, the number of unwed mothers in Korea who are choosing to raise their children as single parents, instead of placing them up for adoption, is increasing. However, less is known on the well-being of these mothers and their resilience as they begin to advocate for their rights as mothers and seek to change public perceptions of and cultural assumptions about unwed mothers in Korea. The purpose of this research was to explore the pathways of resilience on the well-being of Korean unwed mothers. Participants included 255 Korean unwed mothers who completed measures that assessed their resilience, perceived discrimination, adverse childhood experiences, identity, and well-being. Hierarchical regression revealed evidence of a moderated mediation. Mothers who reported more adverse childhood experiences showed a steeper decrease in perceived discrimination when they perceived themselves as resourceful and supported, which in turn led to higher well-being. The development of resilience in mothers may be protective in the face of perceived discrimination, especially for those who reported high adverse childhood experiences. To better promote well-being of unwed mothers, preventive intervention programs should focus on enhancing resilience at multiple levels, promoting social justice for unwed mothers, and considering adverse childhood experiences during clinical assessment.