Date of Award
2010
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
This qualitative study is an exploration of the experiences of successful low-income single mothers. Ten low-income single mothers from an urban area in the Midwest were recruited after being nominated as successful by their home-based counselors. Ten women participated in the first semi-structured interview and six participated in a second semi-structured interview. The second interview questions were developed from the preliminary findings of the first interviews. The interviews were guided by two research questions: (a) What are the experiences of successful low-income single mothers? and (b) What are the strengths of successful low-income single mothers? A grounded theory approach was utilized to build a description of successful low-income single mothers‘ experiences and perceptions of their strengths. Three overarching core categories emerged: life challenges and stressors, protective factors, and perceived strengths and successes. The limitations of the current study as well as implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Tracy L., "A Qualitative Exploration Of Successful Low-Income Single Mothers' Experiences" (2010). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1128.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1128