Structural family therapy and group interventions with single-mother families

Abstract

The members of single-mother families must adjust to the transitions related to normal development as well as additional stressors associated with the formation of the single-parent family. Adaptations to the demands exerted from inside and outside the family system enhance or hinder the growth of individual family members. The availability a d utilization of resources, both personal and material, are significant factors in family adjustment. A lack of resources increases the vulnerability of children and adults in single-mother families to problems in adjustment. This practicum describes the application of structural family therapy and a group intervention in work with single-mother families where the presenting concern was behavioural problems of a latency aged child. Common themes of economic instability, multiple stresses, social isolation and family violence are discussed.