Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influences of homelessness on the process of family life from the perspective of the single parent. A gap in knowledge supported an additional aim to discover how the homeless single parent perceives the impact of homelessness on the present and future life of the family. Lastly the study aimed to conceptualize the influences of homelessness for the single parent family. This qualitative study utilized a semi-structured, face to face interview approach to collect data. Glaser's (1978) qualitative grounded theory methodology guided data collection and analysis. Constant comparative analysis with open and axial coding identified emergent themes and categories until data saturation was achieved. A recruiting letter was distributed at two Midwestern homeless shelters to recruit homeless single parents. Thus, this purposive approach led to 15 participants (13 mothers and 2 fathers) meeting the inclusion criteria for the study. The results of this study examined the complexity of homelessness for a single parent family through the interpretive nature and analysis of their narratives. Themes identified include: action and reactions, wake-up calls, paradox of influences, parental dichotomy, self-awareness, and resourcefulness. The principal findings of the study identified homelessness as a dynamic and fluid phenomenon for the single parent family. The multifaceted influences on the single parent homeless family offers explanations for their needs which can enhance appropriate interventions and policy development.

Description

41st Biennial Convention - 29 October-2 November 2011. Theme: People and Knowledge: Connecting for Global Health. Held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & convention Center.

Author Details

Jane Marlene Langemeier, RN, MSN, PhD

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Grounded Theory, Homelessness, Homeless single parent family

Conference Name

41st Biennial Convention

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Grapevine, Texas, USA

Conference Year

2011

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Exploring the influences of homelessness on the single parent family: A grounded theory approach

Grapevine, Texas, USA

The purpose of this study was to explore the influences of homelessness on the process of family life from the perspective of the single parent. A gap in knowledge supported an additional aim to discover how the homeless single parent perceives the impact of homelessness on the present and future life of the family. Lastly the study aimed to conceptualize the influences of homelessness for the single parent family. This qualitative study utilized a semi-structured, face to face interview approach to collect data. Glaser's (1978) qualitative grounded theory methodology guided data collection and analysis. Constant comparative analysis with open and axial coding identified emergent themes and categories until data saturation was achieved. A recruiting letter was distributed at two Midwestern homeless shelters to recruit homeless single parents. Thus, this purposive approach led to 15 participants (13 mothers and 2 fathers) meeting the inclusion criteria for the study. The results of this study examined the complexity of homelessness for a single parent family through the interpretive nature and analysis of their narratives. Themes identified include: action and reactions, wake-up calls, paradox of influences, parental dichotomy, self-awareness, and resourcefulness. The principal findings of the study identified homelessness as a dynamic and fluid phenomenon for the single parent family. The multifaceted influences on the single parent homeless family offers explanations for their needs which can enhance appropriate interventions and policy development.