• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.99-113
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to explore family life issues of institutionalized single-mother families in Seoul. Using in-depth interviews and self-administered questionnaires, this study is focused on the needs assessments of social workers and institutionalized single-mothers. Subjects were 4 social workers and 31 institutionalized single-mothers. The results of study showed that institutionalized single-mother families experienced economic, child rearing, emotional problems, negative stigma and the loss of social networks. Future research, theoretical and practical implications are added.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.145-158
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a family life education program for children of institutionalized single-mother famines. Based on the strong family perspective and empirical research in this field, the program was developed to enhance children's self-esteem and social ability, and to help children accept diverse family patterns. The program consists of four 60-minute sessions. Ten children and their mothers in two institutions for single-mother families participated in this program. The results of program evaluation revealed that this program was helpful for promoting children's personality development and strengthening their family life of institutionalized single-mother famines. Conclusions and implications are discussed.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.89-105
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• 2009

A family resilience approach aims to identify and fortify key interactional processes that enable families to withstand and rebound from disruptive life challenges. Walsh(1998) described family belief systems, organizational patterns, and communication processes as the three main keys of family resilience. The purpose of this study was to identify the three key factors of family resilience in case of divorced female single-parent families in Korea. The study participants were seven divorced mothers who were living in the institutional facility for female single-parent families. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The study findings were as follows. First, the participants showed positive thinking rather than fear about the adversity induced by the divorce. They also showed the senses of competence, control, and self-esteem. However, the senses of transcendence and spirituality were barely evident. Second, emotional and economic supports from parents, brothers and sisters, and community networks (i.e., mother-child protection institution, healthy family support center) enhanced the family resilience of the participants. Third, the participants showed clear communication, open emotional expression, and shared decision making. This study suggests that more counseling services and parent education be provided by healthy family support center and institutional facilities as important family resilience factors for divorced female single-parent families who are below the poverty line.