The Importance of Support Systems for Single Mothers in Higher Education

Single mothers were found to desire help from family members. The family members must support single mothers for their studies. Physiological support from family members and friends can be good for reducing stress levels among college-going single mothers in the UK.

Research Project
Impact of the stress among single mother in
college in the UK
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications.................................3
1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection....................4
1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references........................................................................5
1.4 Produce a research project specification................................................................................5
1.5 Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification...............5
2.1 Match resources efficiently to the research question ............................................................6
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................8
2

Title : Impact of the stress among single mother in college in the UK
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
Aim
The major aim of present investigation is to assess the impact of the stress among single
mother in college in the UK
Objectives
The research objectives of this investigation are as follows:
 To assess the factors that lead to stress among single mother students
 To explore the impact of stress among single mother college students in the UK
 To advice single-mother students that can help in reducing stress
Research methodology
Research methodology is the most crucial part of an investigation that presents the tools
and methods that is used to reach the objectives of an investigation (Mitchell and Huysamen,
2005). The points below represent the research methodology that is going to be used for this
proposed investigation.
Research philosophy: In respect with the present topic, interpretivism research
philosophy will be more suitable as the topic requires an in-depth investigation into the key area.
The philosophy is the ways that influences the mind set of researcher. The rationale behind
choosing the mentioned philosophy is to reach the objective while explaining subjective and
objective facts of research problems (Jha, 2008).
Research approach: For reaching the objectives of present investigation, indicative
research approach will be used so that the flow of investigation can be made in upwards direction
and new discovery is made.
Research method: In order to assess the impact of impact of the stress among single
mother in college in the UK, both the studies i.e. qualitative and quantitative research methods
will be used (Silverman, 2010). The qualitative methods will be applied to secondary
investigation. On the other hand, quantitative method will be applied to numeric data.
Data collection methods: In respect with the present investigation, primary as well as
secondary data will be used to make reliable findings over the impact of stress on single mother
in college in the UK. Secondary data will be collected through books, journals as well as online
3

articles. For which Google Scholar and other media sites will be used. Primary data will be
collected from college going single mothers within UK. These respondents will be approached
through survey method in which questionnaire will be designed (Mitchell and Huysamen, 2005).
Sampling: In respect with the present research, Simple random sampling method will be
used to collect the data from population. Total 25 college going single mothers will be
approached, hence the sample size will be 25.
Data analysis: The data that is going to be collected from primary and secondary sources
will be analysed using thematic analysis methods, in which various sub-themes will be designed
according to objectives and data collection (Kothari, 2004).
Ethical considerations: Throughout the investigation ethical aspect will be considered in
which the data will be collected from authentic sources. The primary data will be collected after
taking a consent form participants. The personal information included in primary data that is
being collected from college going single mothers will be kept confidential. Throughout the
investigation the plagiarism issues will be avoided and the whole work will be cited with right
authors (Jha, 2008).
Limitations of research: The major limitation of present investigation is the availability
of limited time, deficiency of sufficient information available on the study topic as well as the
issue of monetary sources (Mitchell and Huysamen, 2005).
1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
The section of present research topic i.e. assess the impact of the stress among single
mother in college in the UK, is affected by various factors, the following points presents the
factors that contribute to the process of research project selection:
 The interest of researcher into physiological studies
 Increasing number of single mothers in UK
 The increasing issue of stress among single mother in UK
 Lack of literature on the issue of stress faced by single mother
1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references
Cairney, and et.al., 2003 carried out a study on Stress, social support and depression on
single mothers. The study concluded that stress and social support accounted for 40 percent of
the relation between single parent status and depression (Cairney and et.al., 2003). Meadows‐
4

Oliver and et.al., 2007 carried out a study on stress sources as well as support for homeless
teenage mothers. The study concluded that homeless teenage mothers were present in high stress
group. The study further recommended that there can be a use of School-based programs so as
to benefit HTMs. These programs can provide support as well as help in continuing with their
education (Meadows‐Oliver and et.al., 2007).
As per the view point of Santayana and et.al. (2014) there are many of the factors which
lead to the stress among single mother. Sometimes the domestic violence happening with them at
home leads to the stress. It is because the lower section of the society has less awareness about
the equality laws and they continuously keep on increasing the violence on them. Richardson
and Rothstein (2008) further stated that poor education is also one of the factor which can cause
the stress among the single mother. They are unable to recognize their position in the society.
Moreover, according to Evans and et.al. (2007) the main factor is the poverty which create the
stress among the single mother as they get depressed on how to carry out the expense of a child
on her own.
Montes and Halterman (2007) examined the impacts of stress among the single mother is
that excessive stress leads to the depression on the minds of female which can be harmful for
their future life. Further, self-confidence among them get lost due to which mothers does not get
ready to face the consequences of the society. Moreover, Morran and et.al (2011) commented
that health issues are caused among the mother and her child. Further, it also affect the studies of
the single mother who are pursuing the studies in the college.
List of key reference
Boyle, M., Offord, D. R., & Racine, Y., 2003. Stress, social support and depression in single and
married mothers. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology. 38(8).pp. 442-449.
Meadows‐Oliver, M., Sadler, L. S., Swartz, M. K., & Ryan‐Krause, P., 2007. Sources of stress
and support and maternal resources of homeless teenage mothers. Journal of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. 20(2).pp.116-125.
Ray, D., Bratton, S. C., & Brandt, M. A., 2000. Filial/family play therapy for single parents of
young children attending community colleges. Community College Journal of Research &
Practice. 24(6). pp.469-486.
5

1.4 Produce a research project specification
 What are the factors that lead to stress among single mother students in UK?
 Does single mothers’ stress affect their provision of quality care?
 What are the practices that can be taken to reduce stress faced by single-mother students?
1.5 Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
ACTIVITY/WEEK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Problem Identification
Methodical analysis for choosing
reach topic
Section of topic
Doing literature review for
secondary data collection
Set the objectives
Primary data collected from
participants
Identified research approach
Design research methodology
Preparation of structured
questionnaire
Make Fill up the questionnaire
from participants
Organize collected data in excel
sheets
Apply suitable technique to
analysis data
Interpretation of the data
Evaluation and finding of the
research
Recommendation and
suggestions for further study
Outline the findings chapter
6

Prepare report
Compliance to instructor and
awaiting feedback
Revise the final draft
Submit report
Present report to the audience
2.1 Match resources efficiently to the research question
Adequate and reliable information: To assess the impact of stress among single mother
students in UK proper primary and secondary information will require. To collect data online as
well as physical library will be used. Along with this, a questionnaire will be prepared to collect
primary data.
Monetary sources: Money is the major sources that will require to reach the objectives of
study as each activity will require some financial resources. To meet this research requirement
sufficient budget is allocated to each activity.
2.2 Proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures
The researcher have specified that inductive research approach will be sued and also
qualitative and quantitative research will be used. Further, primary and secondary data collection
method will be used in order to collect the data in an accurate manner. Thus, the complete study
will be conducted on the basis of this research methodology in order to find out the accurate
results.
2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate
In order to recode the data of present investigation, MS excel tools is used and all the
responses and data gathered through questionnaire are presented in a tabular form. The responses
are gathered from college going single mother in UK. Here, is tabular presentation of responses
gained from college going single mother in UK.
Age demographic of respondents
Age Number of respondents
Below 16 years 7
7

17- 20 years 9
21-24 years 5
25 and above 4
Reasons for single parenthood
Reasons for single
parenthood
Number of respondents
Divorced 11
Widowed 5
Never married 9
Other 0
Reasons of stress
Reasons of stress Number of respondents
Absence of a father figure 8
Difficulty in maintaining balance
between work and personal life
5
Poor financial condition 5
Poor amenities 2
Health related issues 5
Factors leading stress among single mothers
Factors leading stress Number of respondents
Domestic violence/abuse 5
Poor education/training 6
8

Childcare 8
Poverty 4
Poor housing 2
Impacts of stress in life of single mothers
Impacts of stress in life of single
mothers
Number of respondents
Depression 6
Losing Self- confidence 6
Other health issues 3
Change in living conditions 0
Health issues to your children 2
Affects your studies 8
Stress leading health related issues
Health related issues Number of respondents
Depression 8
Anxiety 2
Unhealthy weigh loss/ gain 5
Migraines 2
Health issues to your children 1
I get sick every time 4
Insomnia 3
Ways to deal with stress
9

Ways to deals with stress Number of respondents
Exercise 5
Spending time with children 7
Support from family 9
Drugs/Alcohol/ Smoking 4
Other 0
Where would single mothers look for support
Single mothers look for support Number of respondents
Internet groups/advice 5
Local community support 7
Health Centre 3
Family and friends 6
College Learning Mentor 4
Barriers to get support
Barriers to get support Number of respondents
Language 2
Financial barriers 6
Health Centre 7
Female or male dominated venue 8
Others 2
10

UK government and empowerment groups such as SPAN (Single Parent Action Network)
could do more to collage going single mothers
Agency and government support to
collage going single mothers
Number of respondents
Yes 16
No 4
Can't say 5
3.1 Appropriate research evaluation techniques
Questionnaire
Name
Age
 Below 16 years
 17- 20 years
 21-24 years
 25 and above
1. Reasons for single parenthood
 Divorced
 Widowed
 Never married
 Other
2. What are the major reasons of stress in your life?
 Absence of a father figure
 Difficulty in maintaining balance between work and personal life
 Poor financial condition
 Poor amenities
 Health related issues
11

3. What are the factors around you, lead to stress?
 Domestic violence/abuse
 Poor education/training
 Childcare
 Poverty
 Poor housing
4. In what manner, stress has affected your life?
 Depression
 Losing Self- confidence
 Other health issues
 Change in living conditions
 Health issues to your children
 Affects your studies
5. Have you experienced any health related issues ?
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Unhealthy weigh loss/ gain
 Migraines
 I get sick every time
 Insomnia
6. As per your opinion, what are the ways to deal with stress?
 Exercise
 Spending time with children
 Support from family
 Drugs/Alcohol/ Smoking
 Hobby
7. Where would you look for support?
 Internet groups/advice
 Local community support
 Health Centre
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 Family and friends
 College Learning Mentor
8. What are the barriers to you getting support?
 Language
 Financial barriers
 Female or male dominated venue
 Others
9. Do you think UK government and empowerment groups such as SPAN (Single Parent Action
Network)could do more to collage going single mothers?
 Yes
 No
 Can't say
10. Kindly provide some suggestions to overcome stress single mother in college in the UK
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3.2 Interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
Age demographic of respondents
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The primary data represents that most of the single mother are found in the age of 17 to
20 years who actively taken part in the investigation. The second highest respondents were
ageing below 16 years. The data indicated that most of the issues of teenage pregnancy is
increased within UK that lead to the serious issue of being single parents.
Reasons for being Single mother
14
Below 16 years 17- 20 years 21-24 years 25 and above
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7
9
5
4
Age demographic of respondents
Number of respondents
Divorced Widowed Never married Other
0
2
4
6
8
10
12 11
5
9
0
Reasons for being Single mother
Number of respondents

In the questionnaire section, the respondents were asked about the reason of being single
mother and most of the women have replied that they got divorce as 11 put of 25 respondents
were in favour of such reason. However, it was noticed that around 36% of women or single
mothers have never married.
Reasons of stress
From the above data, the reasons of stress among single mother in UK is identified. The
respondents were provided with options to choose the reasons for their stress. Most of the single
mothers have said that they are stressed because of absence of father figure in their children life.
The second most selected option is difficulty in maintaining balance between work and personal
life. There were total 5 respondents who said that they are stressed because they feel difficulty in
maintaining balance between work and personal life as well as the same number of respondents
said that their poor financial condition is the major reason of stress. Some of the single mothers
have selected health issue as a reason of stress. However, it can be said that there are mixed
reasons of stress among college going single mothers of UK.
15
Absence of a father figure
Difficulty in maintaining balance between work and personal life
Poor financial condition
Poor amenities
Health related issues
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8
5 5
2
5
Reasons of stress
Number of respondents

Factors leading stress
One of the major objective of present research project is to assess the factors which lead
to stress among single mothers of UK. In the primary data collection part, respondents were
asked to choose the factor. Most of the respondents have said that childcare is the major factor
leading stress level among them. There were total 8 respondents among 25 who have deliberately
selected this option. Furthermore, poor education and training is the major factor that lead to
stress among UK's single mothers. In addition to that, total 5 single mothers have chosen that
domestic violence/abuse within society is also a factor that increase the stress level among single
mothers. However, few mothers have poverty and poor housing which is a major factor that lead
to stress among college going single mothers of UK.
Impacts of stress in life of single mothers
From the primary investigation, it was noticed that there are huge impacts of stress in
individual's life. The respondents of research were provided with the variety of options over the
impact of stress in individual life. Most of the respondents have replied that stress has affected
their studies that is going to put impact on their professional life in a long run. There were total 8
16
Domestic violence/abuse
Poor education/training
Childcare
Poverty
Poor housing
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
6
8
4
2
Factors leading stress
Number of respondents

single mothers who have replied in the favor of such impact. In addition to that, 6 respondents
said that stress lead to depression among single mothers that affects their health in long run. In
the similar fashion, there are 6 other respondents who have said that stress lead to losing their
self confidence. The data indicts that stress lead to the major impact on the individual's life and
provides threat to their personal and professional life. Some of the respondents have felt that
stress lead to health issues to the life of children of single mothers and lead to other health issues
for single mothers.
Stress leading health related issues
17
Depression
Losing Self- confidence
Other health issues
Change in living conditions
Health issues to your children
Affects your studies
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
6 6
3
0
2
8
Impacts of stress in life of single mothers
Number of respondents

Mostly the impact of stress is witnessed on the heath of individual. In relation to that the
respondents of questionnaire were asked if they have felt any health issues due to stress in their
lives. From the primary investigation, it was found that most of the single mothers in UK are
suffering from depression which is a serious issues associated with mental state of individual.
From the investigation, it was also found that total 8 respondents out of 25 were facing the above
mentioned issue. In addition to that unhealthy weigh loss/ gain is the another problem associated
with the health condition of single mothers due to stress. The primary investigation revealed that
there are total 5 respondents are suffered from such issue. However, few single mother were
found with the issue of Migraines and Insomnia which is all due to high level of stress. There
were around 4 single mothers who are having issue of getting sick every time.
Ways to deal with stress
18
Depression
Anxiety
Unhealthy weigh loss/ gain
Migraines
Health issues to your children
I get sick every time
Insomnia
0
2
4
6
8 8
2
5
2
1
4
3
Stress leading Health related issues
Number of respondents

The graph above represents the ways of dealing with stress in college going single
mothers in UK. In the questionnaire section, respondents were asked about their ways to deal
with stress through providing them a variety of options. Most the respondents have said that the
family support is the most appropriate way to deal with stress among single mothers. There were
total 9 single mothers who believe that there stress is reduced due to family support. On the other
hand, there were 7 respondent who feel spending time with children is the best way to deal with
the stress . It indicts that most of the single mothers in UK prefers to have family support and
spending time which their children and family as a way to deal with stress. However, it can be
said that daily exercise is a preferred way of 5 single mother who are respondents of present
research. According to them daily exercise is the way to overcome the issue of stress from their
lives. On a flip side of coin, primary data has indicated that most of the single mothers prefer to
have Drugs/Alcohol/ Smoking for the purpose of reducing or dealing with the issue of stress.
Single mothers look for support
19
Exercise
Spending time with children
Support from family
Drugs/Alcohol/ Smoking
Other
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5
7
9
4
0
Ways to deals with stress
Number of respondents

To overcome with the issue of stress, the single mothers always look for the support from
internal and external parties. Through the questionnaire, the respondents were asked whom
would they look for support. There were total 25 college going single mothers of UK who have
taken part in the research, among them 7 have said that they always look for local community
support. However, family and friends are the internal sources who are expected to provide
support to the people. In other sense, 5 single mothers have said that internet groups/advice is the
major source that provide a extreme support to the single mothers in UK. Nonetheless, primary
data indicated that college learning mentor is
Barriers to get support
20
Internet groups/advice
Local community support
Health Centre
Family and friends
College Learning Mentor
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5
7
3
6
4
Number of respondents

In the primary section, the respondents were asked about the barriers to get support from
the internal and external parties. The single women have said that they face various kinds of
barriers in getting support. The most faced barrier is the existence of female or male dominated
venue in the society. There were total 8 female who said that there have faced barriers in terms
of female or male dominated venue. In addition to that most of the people have faced financial
barriers in getting support from external people. The college going single mothers of UK are
not enough financial capable so as they can get support from external parties. However, there are
around 7 women who face barrier to assess better services from Health Centre. These all are the
barrier faced by the college going single mothers of UK. The primary data indicates that single
mothers want support from the local level to deal with the issuer of stress. The barriers which
are faced by the single mothers of UK need to be worked upon for which government support is
needed.
Agency and government support to collage going single mothers
21
Language
Financial barriers
Health Centre
Female or male dominated venue
Others
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
6
7
8
2
Barriers to get support
Number of respondents

The above graph represents the perception of single mothers of UK towards agency and
government support to collage going single mothers. The single mothers are asked about whether
UK government and empowerment groups such as SPAN (Single Parent Action Network) could
do more to collage going single mothers. Most of the respondents have replied in a positive
sense. According to then the UK government and empowerment group can come up with special
support to the single mothers in UK so that they can flourish own and their childern's life. There
were total 16 respondents who have positively replied to the statement. On the other hand, there
are only 4 people who replied in negative sense, however, around 5 people have chosen the
option of can't say anything. As per the responses, it can be said that the single mothers of UK
are looking for the support from UK government and empowerment groups such as SPAN
(Single Parent Action Network) to do more to collage going single mothers.
3.3 Make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration
On the basis of literature review findings and the findings of primary investigation,
following recommendation are made:
UK Government interventions: From the investigation, it was found that single mothers
are are looking for the support from UK government and empowerment groups such as SPAN
(Single Parent Action Network). Hence, empowerment groups at local and national level should
22
Yes No Can't say
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
16
4 5
Agency and government support to collage going single
mothers
Number of respondents

come up with special support for such single women. It can be said that UK government can
provide financial support to single women so as they can completed their studies. The
government can provide them part time job facility where they can also take care of their
children.
Family and friend's support: In the investigation, single mothers were found to desire
for the help from family members. In such mental state the family members must support single
mothers for their studies. A physiological support from family members and friends can be good
for reducing the stress level among college going single mothers of UK.
Support from college : The college level support is the most critical thing that can be
provided to single mothers. Such groups can be provided a environment for studies with a
flexibility to completed their studies. The authorities of various universities and colleges in UK
should provide a special support to such single parent.
However, the single mothers can also support themselves in terms of of taking care of
their health so they can further take care their children. To deal with the stress, the single mother
are recommended to spend time with their children. However, they can also do some exercises
and join meditation classes for further dealing with stress.
Areas for further consideration
The present investigation was focused towards identifying the impacts of the stress
among single mother in college in the UK. The aims of present research have meet throughout
the research project, however, is is required to have a further investigation into a new area of
research. The recommended area of research is to find out the similar impact of stress among
single father in UK as the issue is seen around the society as well. However, the further studies
can be carried out to single parents.
4.1 Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an
audience
Task attached in PPT.
23

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Boyle, M., Offord, D. R., & Racine, Y., 2003. Stress, social support and depression in single and
married mothers. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology. 38(8).pp. 442-449.
Evans, G.W. And et.al., 2007. Cumulative risk, maternal responsiveness, and allostatic load
among young adolescents. Developmental psychology. 43(2), p.341.
Jha, N., 2008. Research methodology. Abhishek Publications.
Kothari, C., 2004. Research methodology. New Age International (P) Ltd.
Meadows‐Oliver, M., Sadler, L. S., Swartz, M. K., & Ryan‐Krause, P., 2007. Sources of stress
and support and maternal resources of homeless teenage mothers. Journal of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. 20(2).pp.116-125.
Mitchell, B. and Huysamen, G., 2005. Research methodology. Oxford University Press.
Montes, G. and Halterman, J.S., 2007. Psychological functioning and coping among mothers of
children with autism: a population-based study. Pediatrics,119(5), pp.e1040-e1046.
Morran, S. and et.al., 2011. Improvement of stress tolerance of wheat and barley by modulation
of expression of DREB/CBF factors. Plant biotechnology journal. 9(2), pp.230-249.
Ray, D., Bratton, S. C., & Brandt, M. A., 2000. Filial/family play therapy for single parents of
young children attending community colleges. Community College Journal of Research
& Practice. 24(6). pp.469-486.
Richardson, K.M. and Rothstein, H.R., 2008. Effects of occupational stress management
intervention programs: a meta-analysis. Journal of occupational health psychology.
13(1), p.69.
Santayana, G. and et.al., 2014. The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in
Religion, Volume VII, Book Three. Mit Press.
Silverman, D., 2010. Qualitative research. Sage.
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