ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The influence of premature birth of an infant in female-headed, single-parent families together or in conjunction with family environment factors, such as employment of the mother, on the mother-premature child relationship has not been considered in past studies. OBJECTIVES: To explore differences in parent-child and family relationships for employed and nonemployed single mothers of low-birth-weight (LBW) and full-term preschool children and to describe the relationships of the mother's employment status, employment history, and employment attitude-behavior consistency to parent-child and family relationships. METHODS: Single mothers with LBW (n = 60) and full-term (n = 61) preschool children provided data on their employment situation, the Parenting Stress Index, the Feetham Family Functioning Survey, and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment. RESULTS: Employed mothers had more positive perceptions and provided more enriching home environments for their children. Greater attitude-behavior consistency was associated with more positive perceptions of the parental role. CONCLUSION: Thus, in single-parent families, employment and consistency are positive influences on the mother-child relationship.
Subject(s)
Infant, Low Birth Weight/psychology , Mother-Child Relations , Single Parent/psychology , Women, Working/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Attitude , Child, Preschool , Employment/psychology , Family Health , Female , Humans , Male , Personal Satisfaction , Self Concept , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Because of increased survival rates for children with critical illnesses and injuries coupled with early discharge programs, medically fragile children are increasingly likely to receive care in the home. The purpose of this exploratory study was to provide an initial description of the typical decisions and problems families experienced on a day-to-day basis, family coping strategies (F-COPES), and family resources (Family Strengths Scale). A convenience sample of 10 families, recruited from a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, participated in a one-hour, in-home interview. Respondents included the child's mother (n = 4), mother and father (n = 2), grandmother (n = 2), grand aunt and uncle (n = 1), and legal guardian (n = 1). Family members were likely to consult health care professionals for treatment-related issues but not for child care issues such as toileting. Coping strategies used most often included Mobilizing Family and Acquiring Social Support. Comments indicated a need for additional financial resources and alternative child care services.
