Single Woman Parents’ Typology of Strain Perspectives: Reinvention, Work-Family Symbiosis, Work Orientation, and Family Conflict

Abstract

Abstract: Balancing work and family responsibilities presents a persistent challenge for single woman parents, who assume both caregiving and income-generating roles without spousal support. This study examines the typology of strain perspectives among single woman parents in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, adopting four categories—reinvention, work–family symbiosis, work orientation, and family conflict—to understand how mothers negotiate work and family demands. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys of 60 participants with qualitative interviews of 12 respondents. Results indicate that single woman parents predominantly exhibit reinvention and work–family symbiosis perspectives, reflecting psychological resilience, adaptive coping strategies, and flexible role negotiation. Socio-economic variables such as age, education, and number of children did not yield significant differences in strain perspectives, suggesting that structural and psychological work–family challenges are pervasive across groups. Qualitative findings highlight emotional and motivational drivers, including attachment to children, faith, and personal determination, alongside reliance on family support. Participants employed adaptive management strategies, such as time management, multiple income-generating activities, and fostering children’s independence, demonstrating problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the psychological resilience and agency of single woman parents and provide insights for interventions, workplace policies, and social protection programs. Future research is recommended to explore psychological outcomes of strain perspectives across urban settings and diverse cultural contexts to inform policy and program development..