Publication Date

Spring 2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Counselor Education

Advisor

Zachary McNiece; Marion Beach; Kimi Schmidt

Abstract

Among many cited risk factors that disproportionately affect children who grow up in a single-caregiver family, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and related behavioral and health outcomes are some of the most significant. Comparatively, there has been a substantial gap in the research exploring protective factors that support healthy development for children with this family composition. The present study used a phenomenological methodology to explore how nine participants aged 18-25 viewed their childhood in a single-caregiver family. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, participants shared their experiences; analysis yielded four themes: (1) further dysfunction in the social system exacerbating the effects of the single caregiver experience; (2) strong and varied social factors mitigating adverse effects for single caregiver children; (3) balancing assets with needed systemic change; and (4) recognizing the impact of early childhood experiences (ECEs) on participants’ concepts of relationships. The first theme had three subthemes: (1) birth order, (2) identity factors affecting experiences, and (3) mental health effects and outcomes. Through these themes, it became apparent that despite the breadth of research showing that children in similar situations to study participants are disproportionately susceptible to adverse outcomes, participants reported varied protective factors and supports throughout their lives that allowed them to endure—and even thrive as they entered adulthood.

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