PILLARS OF STRENGTH : A STUDY OF COPING MECHANISMS OF YOUNG DIVORCED MOTHERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Single parenting though not a coveted role in our society, should be viewed and approached with respect and pride. Although most single parents can be classified in 4 major categories, this study will focus on divorcees. The female perspective is chosen here because most single parents are single mothers. This study aims to identify the similarities and differences between the coping strategies adopted by young divorcees who seek formal and informal help. It also hopes to establish the differences in help seeking behavior between these two groups of young mothers. The design employed in this study was a qualitative one and data was gathered via face to face interviews in the respondents homes. The findings show that most of the women interviewed experienced the most difficulties in dealing with financial issues and many resorted to their extended kin because of their lack of knowledge of existing services. This study attempts to highlight the major problems faced by these women in seeking help and the usage patterns of formal and informal services thereby allowing social workers to understand the key factors that enable these single mothers to cope.