Psychological Distress Research 2022

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY 1
The Association Between Perceived Social Support and Psychological Distress Among
Single Mothers in Ankara, Turkey
Student’s Name:
Instructor’s Name:
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PSYCHOLOGY 2
Abstract
Psychological distress is a common factor that causes mental health disorders globally.
Psychological distress is prevalent among women than men. This is attributable to multiple
causal factors that make women more vulnerable to depression. Existing literature reports a
strong association between perceived social support and depression. The increasing
psychological distress in single women has significantly been associated with their marital status.
However, no study has examined such an association in the context of Ankara, Turkey. The
proposed study will be carried out among single mothers in two elementary schools in Ankara by
recruiting single mothers to the children enrolled in the schools. A Multidimensional Scale of
Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) will be used to examine perceived social support from
friends, family, and other significant sources. Additionally, the Patient Health Questionnaire -9
(PHQ-9 will be used to determine psychological stress. The collected data will be analyzed using
the Pearson correlation test to determine the association between variables. It is expected that the
null hypothesis is rejected and thus the association between perceived social support and
psychological depression be significant.

PSYCHOLOGY 3
Table of Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction/Literature review...............................................................................................................4
2.0 Method..................................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Participants........................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Materials............................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Procedure...........................................................................................................................................9
2.4 Design..............................................................................................................................................10
3.0 Analysis Strategy.................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Statistical Test.................................................................................................................................10
3.2 Expected Results..............................................................................................................................10
3.3 Possible Implications.......................................................................................................................10
3.4 Possible Limitations.........................................................................................................................11
References.................................................................................................................................................12
Appendix: Pre-registration Form...............................................................................................................15

PSYCHOLOGY 4
1.0 Introduction/Literature review
The overall aim of the proposed study is to ascertain the relationship between social
support and psychological distress among single mothers in Ankara, Turkey. The proposal will
analyze three articles to ascertain the developments to the current topic of research and any
existing gap as a basis of determining the specific research topic and research questions.
Psychological distress is one of the leading forms of mental disorders globally. It is projected
that if not addressed early enough, depression is likely to be the leading cause of mental health
and disability (Ferrari et al., 2013). Psychological distress is much more prevalent in women than
in men (Pan et al., 2011) due to new stressors related to parenting (Fisher et al., 2012). The
increasing instability of marriages leading to single parenting increases the burden of single
mothers since they must have to individually cater for all the family needs. Thus, single
parenthood becomes a common risk factor for psychological distress.
Studies have hypothesized a causal relationship between depression and social support.
Social isolation and minimal social support have been associated with psychological distress.
More specifically, family kin associations haven been pointed out as significant factors for
mental health. More specifically, studies have linked single parenthood to poor mental health
(Rousou, Kouta, & Middleton, 2016). Single mothers exhibit increased levels of psychiatric
conditions such as depression in comparison with other female groups. Psychological distress
among single parents is related to financial insecurity and high levels of everyday stressors
(Rousou, Kouta, Middleton, & Karanikola, 2019). Some researchers have recommended
accessibility to social networks as a way of empowering affected individuals to deal with daily
stressors (Bromley et al., 2016). Additionally, single mothers with no extra social support for
their younger children exhibited increased depression levels (Sarsour et al., 2011). Furthermore,