title: Dispelling myths and creating opportunity: a comparison of the strengths of single-parent and two-parent families.
abstract: Although single-parent family life has become mainstream in many ways, knowledge about these families has been focused predominantly on the chronic problems they experience. This study describes the strengths of single-parent families, compares these strengths to those of two-parent families, and describes families' explanations of the effect of self-identified strengths on health. Although single-parent and two-parent families are different structurally, the nature and pattern of strengths are found to be more similar than different between these two groups. These findings challenge stereotypical views of single-parent families that emphasize problems and vulnerability and exclude a consideration of their strengths.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ford-Gilboe
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology*; D012940:Social Problems; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires