Single Parenting
Single Parent Homes
Objective In the context of American society there are many children who are raised in single parent homes. The objective of the proposed study is to demonstrate that single parent homes are comparable to two parent homes. This particular topic is important because of the sheer number of children who are raised in single parent homes. The study will assist parents, teachers, social workers and others who work with children in understanding the issues the children may face as a result of their familial situations. The proposed study will also contribute to the body of knowledge concerning single parent and two parent homes and their impact upon children.
Literature Review
A plethora of research exists concerning the impact that the structure of the family has on children. A great deal of this research has studied the outcomes for children raised in single parent homes and two parent homes. For the purposes of the proposed study the focus will be upon single parent homes. Several researchers have confirmed that the single family home is becoming increasingly more prevalent throughout America (Hanson, 1985; Richards & Schmiege 1993) As it pertains to single parent homes, Hanson (1985) found that both the children and the parents reported high degrees and physical and mental health. The research also found that variables such as good communication and strong social support were positively correlated with the physical and mental health of both parents and children. Studies have also found that socioeconomic status is greatly correlated with positive outcomes as it pertains to both the physical and mental health of single parents. According to Johner (2007), “…single mothers of low SES experience depressive symptoms and feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Poor mental health in single-parent families with young children is associated with persistent poverty and is concentrated in populations receiving
Objective In the context of American society there are many children who are raised in single parent homes. The objective of the proposed study is to demonstrate that single parent homes are comparable to two parent homes. This particular topic is important because of the sheer number of children who are raised in single parent homes. The study will assist parents, teachers, social workers and others who work with children in understanding the issues the children may face as a result of their familial situations. The proposed study will also contribute to the body of knowledge concerning single parent and two parent homes and their impact upon children.
Literature Review
A plethora of research exists concerning the impact that the structure of the family has on children. A great deal of this research has studied the outcomes for children raised in single parent homes and two parent homes. For the purposes of the proposed study the focus will be upon single parent homes. Several researchers have confirmed that the single family home is becoming increasingly more prevalent throughout America (Hanson, 1985; Richards & Schmiege 1993) As it pertains to single parent homes, Hanson (1985) found that both the children and the parents reported high degrees and physical and mental health. The research also found that variables such as good communication and strong social support were positively correlated with the physical and mental health of both parents and children. Studies have also found that socioeconomic status is greatly correlated with positive outcomes as it pertains to both the physical and mental health of single parents. According to Johner (2007), “…single mothers of low SES experience depressive symptoms and feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Poor mental health in single-parent families with young children is associated with persistent poverty and is concentrated in populations receiving
References: Amato, P.R. (n.d.) “Family Processes in One-Parent, Stepparent and Intact Families: A Child’s Point of View”. Australian Institute of Family Studies. Coles, R. L. (2001). The Parenting Roles and Goals of Single Black Full-Time Fathers. The Western Journal of Black Studies, 25(2), 101+. Johner, R. L. (2007). Allostatic Load: Single Parents, Stress-Related Health Issues, and Social Care. Health and Social Work, 32(2), 89+. Hanson, S. (1988) Healthy Single Parent Families. Family Relations Park & Risman, “Just the two of us: Parent-Child Relationships in Single-Parent homes”. Journal of Marriage and Family. Paschall, M. J., Ringwalt, C. L., & Flewelling, R. L. (2003). Effects of Parenting, Father Absence and Affiliation with Delinquent Peers on Delinquent Behavior among African-American Male Adolescents. Adolescence, 38(149), 15+. Richards, L.N., Schmiege, C.J. (1993.) Problems and Strengths of Single Parent Families: Implications for Practice and Policy. Family Relations