Theoretical Perspectives on Single Parenting

Says Who?independence, self-awareness and desire to succeed.
John Bowlby's attachment theory suggests thatHow does this relate to single-parent families?
secure attachment between a parent and child makesChildren raised in single-parent households have the
parenting easier and supports parent/child intimacy,same developmental needs as other children.
which enhances the child's sense of worthTherefore, if the single-parent is consistent, supportive
How does this relate to single-parent families?and reliable, they too should acquire attitudes of trust,
Lack of interaction between the children ofindependence, self-awareness and the desire to
single-parent families and their parents can result insucceed.
attachment issues that can compromise theL.S Vygotsky's concept of cognitive development
effectiveness of parenting strategies, and result ansuggests that the social world defines the way children
overwhelming amount of stress on custodial parentsthink. He believed that children learn more when their
as they endeavor to carry out their parentinglearning is best supported at opportune times when the
responsibilities.caregiver aides them in learning new tasks.
A close relationship between the single-parent and theHow does this relate to single-parent families?
child fosters the child's social-emotional developmentWhen children raised in single-parent households are
and decreases behavioral concerns.left alone for long periods of time or left in the hands
Sigmund Freud suggests that the human psyche is byof uninvolved caregivers their academic skills are not
nature pleasure seeking.being fully supported.
How does this relate to single-parent families?The Resiliency theory suggests that through the use
Single-parents who are experiencing the pain ofof inborn coping mechanisms individuals are able to
separation is likely to resort to behaviors, that may beovercome adversities in their lives.
risky, yet provides them with the gratification they mayHow does this relate to single-parent families?
need to deal with the stressors that they encounter.Through the use of appropriate resources and the
B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning suggestsapplication of coping strategies single-parent families
that individuals tend to repeat behaviors that lead tocan overcome the challenges that they encounter.
favorable results.Carl Rogers' self-actualization perspective proposes
How does this relate to single-parent families?that the fundamental goal of all individuals is to
Many single-parents struggle with self reliance becausemaximize their potential and be the best they could be.
their dependency on external supports is reinforced...How does this relate to single-parent families?
For example, those who are welfare dependent mayIt is not the intention or goal of single-parent families to
be better off financially that those who work.be problematic and dysfunctional. Like other families
Erick Erickson's theory of psychosocial developmentalthe desire of the members of single-parent families is
suggests if the caregiver is available, consistent,to achieve family cohesion, and to support the growth
supportive and reliable children achieve developmentaland development of each other.
milestones which ultimately supports their trust,