Resiliency and Maternal Self-Efficacy of Single African American Mothers: A Qualitative Study

Resiliency and Maternal Self-Efficacy of Single African American Mothers: A Qualitative Study by Danielle Beatrice Massey MSW, Temple University, 1989 BA, Pennsylvania State University, 1988 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December 2015 Abstract Traditionally, research involving single African American mothers (SAAMs) has been conducted using problem-focused or cultural deficit models with the emphases on the disadvantages. Consequently, little is known about how these women view their experiences as single mothers concerning their resilience and maternal self-efficacy. Using a snowball sampling method, 15 SAAMs were recruited to participate in this phenomenological study. This study employed a subject-intensive theoretical framework. Face-to-face interviews (using a questionnaire), participant observation, and a focus group were the methods used to capture the essence of the SAAMs’ abilities to thrive despite the challenges associated with single parenting. All encounters were audiotaped and the data were manually transcribed. Theming was used to analyze the data of the study. Twelve themes emerged, along with a set of sub-themes. The findings provided narratives from the SAAMs regarding the unique challenges of culture, parenting styles and skills, and social supports that enabled them to navigate their children through adversities. All of the participants identified God and faith as the heart of successful parenting. This study contributes to the cultivation of positive social change by offering sound literature that dispels the myths and stereotypes traditionally associated with these mothers and their children. The study also reaffirms the necessity of culturally-relevant models of study and qualitative methods of research, as they tend to provide a more positive and holistic perspective of the phenomenon. Moreover, these findings give a voice and encouragement to SAAMs to become stakeholders in the underpinning of support groups for younger SAAMs and their children in the use of resilience and maternal self-efficacy.Traditionally, research involving single African American mothers (SAAMs) has been conducted using problem-focused or cultural deficit models with the emphases on the disadvantages. Consequently, little is known about how these women view their experiences as single mothers concerning their resilience and maternal self-efficacy. Using a snowball sampling method, 15 SAAMs were recruited to participate in this phenomenological study. This study employed a subject-intensive theoretical framework. Face-to-face interviews (using a questionnaire), participant observation, and a focus group were the methods used to capture the essence of the SAAMs’ abilities to thrive despite the challenges associated with single parenting. All encounters were audiotaped and the data were manually transcribed. Theming was used to analyze the data of the study. Twelve themes emerged, along with a set of sub-themes. The findings provided narratives from the SAAMs regarding the unique challenges of culture, parenting styles and skills, and social supports that enabled them to navigate their children through adversities. All of the participants identified God and faith as the heart of successful parenting. This study contributes to the cultivation of positive social change by offering sound literature that dispels the myths and stereotypes traditionally associated with these mothers and their children. The study also reaffirms the necessity of culturally-relevant models of study and qualitative methods of research, as they tend to provide a more positive and holistic perspective of the phenomenon. Moreover, these findings give a voice and encouragement to SAAMs to become stakeholders in the underpinning of support groups for younger SAAMs and their children in the use of resilience and maternal self-efficacy. Resiliency and Maternal Self-Efficacy of Single African American Mothers: A Qualitative Study by Danielle Beatrice Massey MSW, Temple University, 1989 BA, Pennsylvania State University, 1988 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December 2015 Dedication “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Mothers, Moms, Mommies, Mommas, Nanas, Grammies, Mom Moms, Aunties. These works are dedicated to African American women, past and present, who have sown good seeds, shared their stories, promoted strength and a relationship with GOD, and loved beyond measure. Your children, biological and non-biological, have been blessed with such an awesome gift. You! Giving unselfishly of your love, time, and talents, making whatever sacrifices necessary to promote a promising and healthy future. You may have just raised one, but what you’ve imparted will touch the lives of millions as it is passed on from generation to generation. You have provided the epitome of resiliency and maternal self-efficacy. To each of the 15 single African American mothers who with an awesome level of excitement participated in this study and planted the seed for future endeavors, which will help and support single African American mothers along their journey, I have been honored to make your acquaintances. You are a group of dynamic women and are doing magnificent things. I encourage you all to toot your own horns. Keep being the wonderful women you are, trusting GOD to keep HIS promises. HE has plans for you! To my examples of Proverbs 31:10-31, Sadie Risher (Momma) and Wilhelmina R. Massey (Mommie), two virtuous women. Words cannot begin to express what I feel. I just want you to know that when I was growing up, I watched you both very closely. I listened too. And, because of you, I am the woman I am. Acknowledgments First, I wish to thank GOD. HE used this entire process from beginning to end to teach and equip me for HIS plans. It’s been quite a journey. HE’s shown me that when I’ve reached my point of I can’t that HE can. No cancer, no financial issues, nothing will keep HIM from fulfilling HIS promises. HE has given me my heart’s desire and for that I’m truly grateful. This educational process has been about so much more than the degree I have earned. I have been pruned, primed, and promoted to my next level in life. I’ve lost some of my greatest inspirations and cheerleaders along the way. My dad, Pastor Daniel C. Massey, and grandparents R.H. and Sadie Risher had been called to rest, but I know that they are rejoicing right along with me. I am everything I am because they loved me. To my mom, Wilhelmina R. Massey, you have always taught me to reach high and work hard. Watching you has always been a source of inspiration for me. Your words of encouragement through this process have meant so much. I love you! To my sons Jamir and Christian, thank you for working with me. I pray that the tenacity you have witnessed on my journey will serve as an inspiration to let you know that with GOD all things are possible. My other children Ziara and Tori, I pray that I continue to be an example to you as you raise your children. You truly bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face when I see you emulate the things you have learned with your own children. To my sisters Sonia and Shea, thank you for everything. Shea little sister, you have truly been there for me, a true blessing in so many ways. Your thoughtfulness, support, and encouragement has meant so much. To Kevin, I truly thank you for everything from buying my books, helping with the boys, praying with and for me, just being a wonderful brother. Aunt Lena, thank you for helping me with the boys and your encouragement. To my village, I want to say thank you for your love, support, and prayers. I am truly blessed to have such an awesome village. You were there to offer to give me a quiet place to work, take the boys off my hands, sit with me, listen to me, and so forth, all for which I am truly grateful. Special thanks and appreciation for your unwavering support and encouragement to: Darlene, Stephanie, Dee, Lois, Aunt Barbara, Rick J, Dana, Charisse, Cherie, Trudy, Bridgette, Marlon, Alberta, Min. Sherri Quick, Min. Dave Dale, Pastor Ron & Kelli Woods and my Charity Baptist Church family, Ms. Darlene and Debbie (Porter’s Day Care), Alex & Anita Risher and Dondi & Kyla Watts. To my personal taskmaster Jana, thank you for keeping me on point. Patricia, my second mom and big sister, thank you so much for your insight, editing, and encouragement. To “Louise,” from the start of this journey to the very end, you called me Dr. Dee. Each time we talked you were an encouragement to keep moving forward. You have been such an inspiration for me in so many ways. Last, but certainly not least, I wish to acknowledge the members of my dissertation committee chairs, Dr. Cheryl Tyler-Balkcom and Dr. Deborah ElliottDeSorbo. Dr. B. thank you for your guidance. You have been patient and understanding along this journey. Dr. DeSorbo you have been a great help and source of encouragement. And thanks Dr. Linda Whinghter for lending your expertise. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you. On to the next chapter in my life. My plan is to take what I’ve learned and to be a blessing to others. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NIV