The Experience of Being a Divorced or Separated Single Mother

This book sought a deeper understanding of experiences concerning fifteen divorced and separated single mothers, five African American, five Caucasian and five Latino aged 27–52 years, divorced or separated for one year or more with one or more dependent children below sixteen years old. The qualitative phenomenological approach employed in-depth interviews to collect narratives thus illustrating its usefulness in bringing out rich data. The implications of the findings for the Mental Health Profession, and the Teaching Profession for both the mothers and their children are stated. Detailed descriptions of the lived experiences of divorced and separated women and associated meanings clarify particular aspects in their lives that could affect their wellbeing. Certain aspects of their lives that promote life satisfaction are also highlighted.