Abstract
This study investigated the psychological stressors of single mothers in Masvingo who were working in the informal economy. The study also aimed at identifying the coping mechanisms adopted by these women. The target population consisted of single mothers in Masvingo, and the researcher used a purposive sampling method to select eight single mothers. The researcher used qualitative methodology and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. An in-depth analysis was employed, and the findings revealed that there were three key themes, namely psychological stressors, financial hardships, social stigma and discrimination which the women encountered. The discussion expands on their coping mechanisms which were analysed through the Lazarus and Folkman (1984), theory of stress and coping which views psychological stress as a unique relationship that exists between individuals and their environment. Applying the Lazarus and Folkman’s theory (1984) to this study assisted the researcher to gain insight into the stressors that single mothers who work in the informal economy, encounter.
The findings revealed that the women suffered from loneliness, stigma, social discrimination and depression. The single women went into informal employment like cross border trading, street vending and hairdressing, occupations that do not require much formal application and capital outlay. The women also participated in stokvels to promote saving money.
The study recommends that key stakeholders must officially recognise the emergence of single mother households as this helps to reduce mental health stresses, primarily due to financial hardships. The study also recommends that single mothers’ role in the informal economy in Zimbabwe be recognized and that links between the informal with the formal economy be established. Finally, the study recommends a review of social work practice that will incorporate the challenges faced by single mothers in the informal economy and flagship the development of practice that creates a conducive environment for the entrance and growth of businesses by single mothers.