Date

5-2022

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Thomas W. Hudgins

Keywords

Single Mothers during COVID-19, Economically Challenged Single Parents, COVID-19, Anxiety, Stress

Disciplines

Counseling | Educational Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of economically challenged single mothers during Covid 19. Mitigating the severe anxiety and stress risks linked with COVID-19 has been a goal of public health incentives. Less effort has been spent on studying the psychological issues connected to the worldwide epidemic, particularly among economically challenged communities. The aims of the study were to explore the impact of anxiety and stress of the COVID 19 pandemic on economically challenged single mothers, to determine the needs of this group, and to identify prevention and interventions that might support them in the event of another pandemic or traumatic event. The study was conducted with a transcendental phenomenological design in which nine single mothers were interviewed. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) technique was used to analyze the data. Eight themes emerged from data analysis: (a) anxiety related to COVID-19, (b) stress related to COVID-19, (c) coping with stress and anxiety, (d) impact on finances, (e) impact on mental health, (f) influence of pandemic on relationships, (h) influence of the pandemic on responsibilities, and (g) resiliency, which described how participants moved forward, despite adversity. Participants experienced increased responsibilities, radical shifts to their work-home life, reduction of income, and feelings of social isolation, anxiety, and stress. In response to their many challenges, the participants were self-reliant, took the time to evaluate their lives, focused on self, were adaptable, and willing to pioneer changes in career and home life.

Download

Share

COinS