Children From Single Parent Homes

Children From Single Parent Homes and the Effect on the Child Single parent families comprise a significant portion of the American population, and so it is important to identify the specific needs of this group. Studies which have been conducted indicate that children from single parent families are at an increased risk of mental and physical ill health, and are at increased risk of some specific problems including schizophrenia and psychosis.

In addition, children from single parent families are also at increased risk of substance abuse and some other educational and behavioral problems. The large number of studies, across different countries, using different data sets and statistical methods, which give similar conclusions indicates the validity of the data. This therefore supports the theory that policy makers need to take account of there being health and educational needs which are specific to single parent families. Introduction Single parent families comprise a significant proportion of the U.S.

population, and as such it is important to identify specific needs for this population when forming health and social policies. There is a large volume of evidence available on the adverse outcomes associated with raising children in single parent families (e.g. Weitoft et al., 2003), and this area was therefore selected as it offered a wealth of information for discussion of quantitative statistical methods. This essay examines the literature which is currently available in relation to adverse outcomes for children from single parent families.

In particular, three quantitative studies are discussed, with examination of the statistical methods used. The discussion includes consideration of how the methodologies may support the findings. The overall findings in relation to the study hypothesis are then presented in the conclusion to the study. Statement of the Problem It is currently debated whether the number of single parent families in the U.S. is on the rise, or whether it has stabilized (O'Hare, n.d.).

It is clear from census data that regardless of whether the number is on the increase, single parent families currently comprise a substantial portion of the American population. It is therefore important that there is substantial information available for policy-makers to allow for consideration of the specific needs of this group.

A particularly important element of this consideration is in both health and education policy, as it is possible that the needs of children from single parent families may be somewhat different to the needs of children from two parent families. If policy makers are to take account of the specific needs of children from single parent families, then there must be information available to allow for identification of these needs.

The literature available currently discusses many issues of health and education with the supposition that adverse outcomes in these areas may be associated with being raised in a single parent home. It is therefore important to use this research to identify the specific adverse outcomes for which those from single parent homes may be at increased risk. It is anticipated that these will include multiple health and educational outcomes.

Literature Review There are some studies which have been conducted which have linked being brought up in a single parent family with specific adverse outcomes. In particular, there are a number of mental health issues which have been associated with increased risk in those children from single parent families. In particular, a higher risk of schizophrenia and psychosis are both associated with these children (Wicks et al., 2005). Single parent families have also been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse in children (Kuntsche & Silbereisen, 2004).

One study which examined a number of different outcomes in relation to single parent families was that of Weitoft et al. (2003). This study found that psychiatric disease, suicide and addiction disorders were all more prevalent in children from single parent families than in those from two parent families. A further study by Spencer (2005) which was conducted in the UK showed that children from single parent families were at increased risk of poor physical health, educational problems and behavioral problems.

The study indicated that the adverse outcomes may be magnified in those households which were also in a low socioeconomic class. Taanila et al. (2004) also suggested that there may be increased behavioral problems in children from single parent families, although this study used only a very small study sample (N = 63), which would indicate that there would be only low power associated with the statistical testing used. Findings The Swedish study by Weitoft et al.

(2003) found that in particular children from single parent families were at increased risk of psychiatric disease, attempted or actual.