Despite increases in single-parent families among Mexican Americans (MA), few studies have
examined the association of family structure and family adjustment. Utilizing a diverse sample of
738 Mexican American families (21.7% single parent), the current study examined differences
across family structure on early adolescent outcomes, family functioning, and parent-child
relationship variables. Results revealed that early adolescents in single parent families reported
greater school misconduct, CD/ODD and MDD symptoms, and greater parent-child conflict than
their counterparts in two parent families. Single parent mothers reported greater economic
hardship, depression and family stress. Family stress and parent-child conflict emerged as
significant mediators of the association between family structure and early adolescent outcomes,
suggesting important processes linking MA single parent families and adolescent adjustment.