A phenomenological study of single mothers co-parenting
Date
1986
Authors
Higgins, Robin
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Abstract
This study used a phenomenological perspective to investigate the experiences of single mothers co-parenting. A review of literature on changing family patterns, alternative lifestyles and single parenting provides a context for exploring the phenomenon of single mothers choosing to live and parent together.
Three pairs of women participated in audio-taped interviews. Transcripts from the interviews were thematically analyzed using a phenomenological methodology. Accounts of the experiences of the three families are presented and broader themes representing the general experience of all participants are explored.
The participants valued the support and freedom their co-parenting situations offered. They believed that similar values in parenting and ability to communicate openly gave stability to their families and they felt that they were constantly in a process of finding the most satisfying arrangements for sharing household work and parenting. Although the women in this study did not necessarily see themselves committed to a future together, they appreciated the emotional support and validation they received from their co-parent and found their experience of living and parenting together positive and rewarding.
The study concludes with implications for counsellors working with women from alternative family structures and suggests possible directions for future research in this area.