CHEN, YI-HUATisa Imani Donovan2026-05-062026-05-065/27/25https://203.71.86.71/handle/123456789/9300學位別：碩士 口試委員：Chao, Jasmine; Chaung, Kun-Yang; Chen, Yi-Hua 關鍵字：Social Support、Caribbean、Mental Health、Single mothers、Happiness、Depression、Coping StrategiesBackground: Just like the majority of other Caribbean countries, the British Virgin Islands has a history of placing a strong emphasis on family unity and community but as of recent, the territory has been plagued with a failing family system. Traditional family structures that once included strong extended family support have weakened, leaving many women to navigate parenthood alone with fewer resources. Absentee fathers have become the status quo with numbers increasing at an alarming and steady rate, thus leaving a myriad of single mothers within the territory to raise their children on their own and consequently affecting their mental health. Maternal mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of psychosocial, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors, yet limited research has examined how these elements jointly contribute to both negative and positive psychological outcomes such as depression and happiness. While existing literature highlights the protective effects of social support and the detrimental impact of poor health behaviors, most studies focus exclusively on depression and overlook the role of coping styles and educational differences in shaping maternal well-being. Moreover, little is known about how these factors interact to influence happiness, a distinct yet important indicator of maternal mental health. To address this gap, the present study investigates the associations between maternal depression and happiness and a range of psychosocial, lifestyle, and demographic variables, with particular attention to the moderating roles of education and coping mechanisms. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2024 among 122 single mothers in the British Virgin Islands ranging from ages 18-60. Purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data collection process was done using an online survey, which was allocated via flyers left at the territory’s main hospital and various wellness centers and clinics. The associations between social self-reported support, depression, and happiness were analyzed using linear regression models. Results: In a sample of 122 participants, the mean depression score was 23.75 (SD = 11.40), and the mean happiness score was 67.16 (SD = 19.83). In the multiple regression models, higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower depression scores (adjusted β = -9.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): -13.97 to -4.17) and higher happiness scores (adjusted β = 15.17, 95% CI: 7.10, 23.23) Particularly among higher-educated mothers, high social support was associated with reduced depression (adjusted β = -9.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): -15.68, -3.28) and increased happiness (adjusted β =18.44, 95% CI: 7.57, 29.31). Among those with low avoidant coping, high social support was significantly associated with lower depression (adjusted β = -6.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.53, -1.89) and greater happiness (adjusted β = 12.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.82,21.33). Conclusion: Greater social support was significantly associated with lower maternal depression and higher happiness, particularly among mothers with higher education and those using low avoidant coping strategies. Low avoidant coping emerged as a consistent protective factor, linked to both lower depression and higher happiness scores. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep, along with sociodemographic characteristics, played meaningful roles in shaping maternal mental health. These findings highlight the importance of fostering social support and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and healthy lifestyle behaviors to enhance maternal mental well-being. Future research should explore patterns to establish causal relationships and increase support for single mothers with lower educations and limited resources. Keywords: Social Support, Caribbean, Mental health, Single mothers, Happiness, Depression, Coping Strategies.系所名稱：公共衛生學系碩士班thesis