A Study on the Group Program Development for Reinforcing Family Relations of Single-mother Families

편모가족관계 강화를 위한 집단 프로그램 개발에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to develop the group program model for reinforcing family relations of single-mother families as one approach to family welfare service. As previous research findings about problems of single parent families were reviewed and the framework for the program development was identified, a 6 sessions group program was planned and applied to 9 single-mother families from June 2nd to July 7th. Program evaluation questionnaire, Scales measuring powerlessness and FACESIII for family relations, social support network tool, and group process recording were used for the evaluation of this program. The participants evaluated this program as very supportive, useful, and educational. The powerlessness was reduced in a statistically meaningful way before and after the program and the result was found to be maintained for 4 months in the follow-up session. The family relations according to FACES III were mostly balanced and didn't show some significant change after the termination of this program. The single mothers had little concrete supports from others, if any, had some from relatives. They rather had to give supports for the other family members and reciprocally gave and took emotional or informational supports with friends or neighbors. Based on these results, the 2 step model consisted of brief group program and long term support group was developed and the practical methods were suggested for the single-mother families with low income.