Qualitative Analysis the Family Resilience of Divorced Female Single-Parent Families

Abstract

With the increase of single-parent families in the Korean society, the perception of the function and structure of the family is changing. Thus, a public transition toward embracing single-parent families as another form of family is necessary. This study focuses on the families of divorced female single-parents using Walsh`s family resilience framework with a strengths-based perspective. It aims to provide the basic data necessary for deducing policy-related and practical ways of supporting the families and for developing programs that help divorced female single-parent families maintain and reinforce resilience. Qualitative analysis was used as the research method. A preceding literature review was also carried out to collect data. The major findings of this study include the following: First, it was found that the average age of divorce is around 30-40, with children of school age. The mothers` level of education was relatively high, ranging from high school graduates to graduate school students. On Rothwell and Cohen`s happiness scale, their objective level of happiness was higher (74.1) than that of the average Korean (64). Second, it was found they were very careful to avoid violence in everyday life as an after-effect of domestic violence, which was the major cause of their divorce. Third, their positive and optimistic attitudes about life even in adversity can be interpreted as Walsh`s belief systems taking a more important role among other characteristics of family resilience.