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John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that secure attachment between a parent and child facilitates parenting and supports parent-child intimacy, thereby enhancing the child’s sense of worth.
How does this relate to single parent families?
Lack of interaction between children in single-parent families and their parents can lead to attachment problems that can compromise the effectiveness of parenting strategies and cause an overwhelming amount of stress on custodial parents as they struggle to fulfill their parenting responsibilities. .
A close relationship between the single parent and the child fosters the child’s social-emotional development and decreases behavioral concerns.
Sigmund Freud suggests that the human psyche naturally seeks pleasure.
How does this relate to single parent families?
Single parents experiencing the pain of separation are likely to resort to behaviors that can be risky, but provide the gratification they may need to deal with the stressors they face.
BF Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning suggests that individuals tend to repeat behaviors that lead to favorable outcomes.
How does this relate to single parent families?
Many single parents struggle with self-sufficiency because it reinforces their dependence on outside supports… For example, those who rely on welfare may be better off financially than those who work.
Erick Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development suggests that if the caregiver is available, consistent, supportive, and dependable children reach developmental milestones that ultimately support their confidence, independence, self-awareness, and desire to succeed.
How does this relate to single parent families?
Children raised in single-parent homes have the same developmental needs as other children. Therefore, if the single parent is consistent, supportive, and dependable, he too must acquire attitudes of confidence, independence, self-awareness, and a desire for success.
LS Vygotsky’s concept of cognitive development suggests that the social world defines the way children think. He believed that children learn best when their learning is best supported at appropriate times when the caregiver helps them learn new tasks.
How does this relate to single parent families?
When children raised in single-parent homes are left alone for long periods of time or in the hands of uninvolved caregivers, their academic abilities are not fully supported.
Resilience Theory suggests that by using innate coping mechanisms, people can overcome adversities in their lives.
How does this relate to single parent families?
Through the use of appropriate resources and the application of coping strategies, single parents can overcome the challenges they face.
Carl Rogers’ self-actualization perspective proposes that the ultimate goal of all individuals is to maximize their potential and be the best they can be.
How does this relate to single parent families?
It is not the intent or purpose of single parent families to be problematic and dysfunctional. Like other families, the desire of members of single-parent families is to achieve family cohesion and support the growth and development of others.