Thesis
Primary Author
VERONICAH NJERI NJUGUNA
Subject Category
SINGLE MOTHERHOOD
Institutional ID
MIUC-REP-288

EXPERIENCE OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD IN INTERPERSONAL GROWTH AMONG SINGLE MOTHERS IN UMOJA EMBAKASI WEST SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI KENYA

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Abstract

This study focused on the experience of single motherhood in interpersonal growth among single mothers of Umoja Embakasi West Sub-county Nairobi, Kenya. The resilience theory informed the study by Norman Garmezy and the self-determination theory of psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. The study objectives were to establish the attitude of the general population toward single motherhood by single mothers, assessment of the influence of culture on interpersonal growth for single mothers, determination of the challenges faced by single mothers and identification of strategies for enhancing interpersonal growth among the single mothers at Umoja Embakasi West Sub-county Nairobi. The researcher adopted a phenomenological design to capture the meaning the single mothers at Umoja give to the phenomena of single motherhood and interpersonal growth. The study used a homogenous population of Christian women at Umoja Embakasi West Sub-County Nairobi with a target population of single mothers. A snowball sampling method was adopted to get a sample size of 30 single mothers currently bringing up a biological or adopted child/ren. The researcher adopted a semi-structured interview guide for data collection through face-to-face interviews for 20 single mothers and a focused group discussion guide for ten single mothers. The collected data were transcribed, coded for themes and analysed thematically through content analysis based on the research objectives. The results revealed that single mothers are misunderstood, stigmatized, and rejected by the general population, limiting interpersonal relationships. Economic constraints and responsibilities of heading a family are among the significant challenges encountered by the single mothers at Umoja Embakasi West Sub-county Nairobi, Kenya.

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