Date
4-2020
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Daphne Washington
Keywords
Active Duty, Civilians, Military, Quality of Life, Resilience, Single Parents, Veterans
Disciplines
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Whitfield, Tara Marie, "Examining the Effects of Stress, Ego Identity, and Life Satisfaction on the Resilience of Single-Parent Subgroups" (2020). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 2392.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/2392
Abstract
Single-parent homes have been identified as a family structure that is disadvantageous to the well-being of children. Being a single parent can also be extremely stressful, thereby putting the mental health of parents at risk. This study examined how the varied life paths of civilians and military veterans can alter an individual’s identity, stress levels, life satisfaction, and resilience when faced with the same adversities. The self-concept of the two populations was examined through the use of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Ego Identity Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The study was guided by three research questions: Is the relationship between resilience and one’s acceptance of self moderated by civilian single parents and single parents who are military veterans? Are civilian single parents more resilient than those single parents who are military veterans? Is the relationship between the independent factors of perceived stress, life satisfaction and the dependent variable of resilience moderated by civilian single parents and military veterans who are single parents? Data were collected through an anonymous, online survey from a convenience sample of single parents. This quantitative study followed a correlational design. The sample consisted of 28 civilian single parents and 39 military veterans who were single parents. The results of this study demonstrated that ego identity, satisfaction with life, and perceived stress statistically predicted resilience. The results of this study also showed that being a civilian single parent or a military veteran is not statistically significant in determining resilience.
