The Wellness and Self-Care Experiences of Single Mothers in Poverty: Strategies for Mental Health Counselors

Abstract

Poverty impacts holistic health and wellness, yet little research in counseling has been conducted exploring the holistic wellness and self-care of marginalized groups. Self-care and wellness are important components of overall mental health, and integrating strategies for self-care and wellness can support mental health counseling practice. A transcendental phenomenological design was used to explore and describe the wellness and self-care experiences of 10 single mothers in poverty. Data were collected using individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, conducted for 45 to 60 minutes each. Major themes that emerged from the data include (a) barriers to wellness and self-care, (b) supports with wellness and self-care, (c) single mothers' awareness of wellness and self-care, and (d) personal strengths of single mothers in poverty. Implications for clinical mental health counselors include utilizing strengths-based approaches, wellness, and advocacy interventions for single mothers in poverty.