Comprehensive Analysis: Stress Impact on Single Mothers in UK Colleges

This research project investigates the impact of stress on single mothers in UK colleges, exploring various factors contributing to their stress levels. The study aims to assess the factors leading to stress, explore its impact, and suggest ways to reduce it. The methodology includes an interpretivism research philosophy with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary and secondary data were collected through surveys and literature reviews, with a sample of 25 single mothers. The findings reveal that factors such as childcare, financial difficulties, and the balance between work and personal life significantly contribute to stress. The study also identifies the effects of stress, including depression and health issues. The report concludes with suggestions for support, including family, friends, and government initiatives, along with the barriers that prevent single mothers from accessing them. The report highlights the need for more resources and support to help single mothers succeed in their academic and personal lives.

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