Age, Gender, Income, and Social Support as Predictors of Single Parent Resiliency

Age, Gender, Income, and Social Support as Predictors of Single Parent Resiliency by Ebonnie Leavern Simmons-Hall Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Psychology Walden University November 2018 Abstract Nearly 50% of children younger than 18 years will be raised by a single parent at some point prior to adulthood. Of developed countries, the United States currently has the highest percentage of single parents. Although much research has examined factors that contribute toward the negative outcomes of single parents, few studies have focused on factors that contribute toward positive outcomes for single parents. Using the strength-Nearly 50% of children younger than 18 years will be raised by a single parent at some point prior to adulthood. Of developed countries, the United States currently has the highest percentage of single parents. Although much research has examined factors that contribute toward the negative outcomes of single parents, few studies have focused on factors that contribute toward positive outcomes for single parents. Using the strengthbased construct of resiliency as a theoretical framework, this study examined whether gender, age, income, and perceived familial social support individually or in linear combination could predict resiliency in single parents. This study involved 138 single parents and a correlational, nonexperimental design was used. The Resiliency Scale-25, a 25 item self-report measure of five resilience principles; purpose, perseverance, selfreliance, equanimity, and existential aloneness, was used to measure resilience. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) a 12-item self-report measure of perceived social support from family, friends, and a significant other, was used to measure perceived social support. Results from a multiple linear step-wise regression showed none of the predictor variables were significantly related to the outcome variable of resiliency. A lack of diversity in the sample, an internet-only recruitment design, instrumentation issues, and failure to include additional predictive factors may have contributed to the lack of statistically significant findings. However, the results of this study highlighted the need for additional research on factors that promote resiliency in single parents, which could then be incorporated into improved services for this growing demographic. Age, Gender, Income, and Social Support as Predictors of Single Parent Resiliency by Ebonnie Leavern Simmons-Hall Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Psychology Walden University November 2018 Dedication This process has been nothing short of a marathon, but through it all, the one constant has been the unwavering support of my family. I dedicate this dissertation to my Dad, who has taught me to never give up and finish whatever I start. I dedicate this dissertation to my Mother, who has taught me to be a phenomenal woman, phenomenally. I dedicate this to my brother, who even in his death has taught me the importance of making lemonade out of life’s lemons. I dedicate this to dissertation to my husband, who is my constant reminder that God always sends us what we need, when we need it. Finally, I dedicate this dissertation to my WHY. The reason why I strive to be excellent, the reason why I strive to be an example, the reason why I do what I do every day.my fabulously, fabulous daughter.I love you Stinky! Acknowledgments I would like to take this time to thank my Committee Chair Dr. Mary Enright. During this process, I experienced life. I lost love ones, I was physically ill, and hospitalized, I struggled to find balance between school and work, and I was overwhelmed with the growing demands of my job. Dr. Enright was a constant for me. She was always understanding, empathic, reassuring, and encouraging. I thank you for believing in me Dr. Enright, even when I couldn’t believe in myself. I thank you for being a sounding board and letting me know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when I questioned you. This has been a turbulent ride at times, but I couldn’t think of anyone better to conduct this train. Thank you, Dr. Enright, for assisting me in joining your exclusive club.